Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess King.
Hi Jess, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Back in the summer of 2021, I graduated with my MA in Archaeology, but fresh out of college, the job market was awful. After working odd jobs across ATX, I left my position at a fragrance counter to start my small candle business, Kingdom Collections & Archives, LLC.
Inspired by my surname, King, the name went through a few iterations as the business fully formed.
Based on my own adventures as an archaeologist, these candles feature artifacts hidden in the wax for you to see as the candle melts. Some of the artifacts are metal charms and trinkets – collect them all and make a cute charm bracelet – and others are a higher melting point wax meant to slowly melt away.
The best part of the initial candle making was discovering new scent combinations, finding the ones that resonated with me, and sharing those prototypes with my friends and family. Everyone around me was so supportive, especially my partner who continues to cheer me on as my business grows.
I’m so excited for the next chapter of KC&A and the upcoming Spring/Summer collection based on tea flavors!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely wasn’t easy getting here. KC&A started from the ground up using money straight from my pockets. I announced a huge pre-order for the candles and tons of my loved ones pulled through. It was the last bit of funding I needed to get the business off the ground.
There is also lot of chemistry and math that goes into making candles (i.e., melting points, fragrance ratios, colorants, etc.). Which also means a lot could go wrong! It took me four months to figure out the flagship Archaeologist Collection, but even now I’m still learning new and different ways to streamline the process.
For me, making candles is a labor of love!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As of this year, I am in the process of applying for a PhD program, which is really exciting and terrifying! Archaeology has been such a rewarding and difficult career as a young woman, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m a Registered Professional Archaeologist here in the United States and I prioritize the repatriation of stolen antiquities with a specialization in mortuary artifacts (aka: ancient burials).
My goal is to get people reconnected with their stolen pasts through repatriation of artifacts and their ancestors, many of whom still reside in collections storage across the United States. Proceeds from each candle purchase are divided between a Charity of the Month (updated every month on the website) and my grad school fund to help pay for my PhD program.
Changing the world one candle at a time.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My partner and parents have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout the entire process. Without their support, none of this would have come to fruition. I love them so much, I owe them the world.
I am tremendously thankful to my cousin who helps put all the candles together and keeps me company during the week, my aunt who has continuously showed up to every single candle release, my partner’s parents for their support, and all the family that continues to support KC&A.
Pricing:
- $15 (3oz) tins
- $35 (8oz) amber jars
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingd0m-collections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingdomcollections
