Today we’d like to introduce you to Payton Thomas.
Hi Payton, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my business in 2021 when I was a college student at Texas Tech University working towards my bachelors degree in Human Sciences. I have autoimmune diseases, and the 9-to-5 jobs I tried would just take a toll on my health and weren’t working for me. My dad suffered a traumatic brain injury while I was in high school, and I help take care of him part-time as well. I was trying to find something that would allow me to make a living while still giving me the flexibility I needed for my health and my family. I knew I needed to find a way to support myself, but finding a “traditional” job wasn’t the answer.
When I was little, I used to make candles for fun. I loved how interesting it was to blend my own scents. I had completely forgotten about it until one day I was scrolling through Etsy and came across some handmade candles. It brought that interest back I had as a child. I started researching professional candle making, learning everything I could, and eventually used what savings I had to buy my first supplies.
I honestly didn’t know where it would go when I started. I just knew I needed to be creative with how I made an income and it was something I enjoyed doing. I needed a job that would give me the independence and flexibility that previous jobs I’d had couldn’t. It was a lot of trial and error, learning as I go, and figuring things out for myself. This idea eventually grew into my business, Uncommon Candle Company.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Trying to build your own business comes with a lot of learning curves.
Balancing business with being a full-time student, my health, and taking care of a disabled parent was a struggle, especially in the beginning. My health has also still been a big challenge. The exhaustion that comes with an autoimmune diseases can make it difficult to work consistently, and there have been times when I simply haven’t had the energy to do everything I wanted to do for my company. There were periods where I was dealing with so much personally, but I had always told myself since day one that “this business is something I refuse to fail at”.
Then there are the challenges that come with running a small business. There are slow seasons and slow markets. Also, figuring out how to make my business known online has been a huge learning experience. I’ve had to test what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep showing up even when I’m not seeing immediate results. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve continued to learn, adapt, and keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make handmade soy candles with a soft alternative vibe. My candles are meant to both smells unique and add aesthetic to a space.
I’m best known for the creative names I give my candles. The names are actually where my creative process starts. I come up with a name first, and then create a scent around it based on what I think that name should smell like. I think that approach is one of the things that sets my business apart from other candle companies.
I’m also very intentional about the materials I use. Everything that goes into my candles is made in the USA, and I purchase all of my supplies from other small businesses. Supporting other small businesses is important to me because I know firsthand how much goes into building one.
What I’m most proud of is creating a brand that has its own personality. I wanted Uncommon Candle Company to feel different from a typical candle company, and I think the combination of the aesthetic, the names, and the thought that goes into creating each scent is what makes my company what it is.
How do you think about happiness?
Animal rescue is something that makes me incredibly happy. I’m an animal rescuer myself, and helping animals in need is a huge part of my life and what I’m most passionate about. I even donate a portion of my sales to animal rescue. Being able to combine something I love doing with something I care deeply about is really meaningful to me. I love knowing that my business provides people a product they enjoy, but also allows me to help more animals that need it.
Pricing:
- $18.50 for 8oz soy
- $27 for 13oz soy
- $34 for 16oz soy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Uncommoncandleco.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/uncommoncandlecompanytx
Image Credits
Drennan Clark
