Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan & Leigha Struthers
Hi Ryan & Leigha , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We are Ryan and Leigha Struthers owners and operators of Struthers & Co. Candles. We are a maker couple who handcraft refillable concrete candles in our home studio in Lockhart, Texas. Our passion for pouring candles started in 2014 when we were getting married, we handcrafted every candle used in our wedding from the ceremony to all the table centerpieces. We always had a passion for crafting and creating things ourselves and knew we wanted to have a small business doing something we enjoy together.
Over the years of burning big box store candles that are mass produced with paraffin wax, lead filled wicks and synthetic fragrance oils, when these candles are burned, they emit particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which encompass harmful chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalances, respiratory infections and other serious health issues for your entire family and pets. We knew we wanted to create a candle that was non-toxic and sustainable that makes people happy. What’s happier than knowing the candles burning in your home aren’t causing you headaches and other problems?
Now, years later with more research, lots of trial and error we have perfected our batches and turned our hobby into a small business. Our mission is to create candles people can feel good about in their homes, breathe easy and less waste in landfills. We officially launched our candle business in the Fall of 2023 and love creating our eco-friendly candles. We strive to find local suppliers that align with our brand values. Knowing a product we created can not only reduce our carbon footprint but also be used as a statement piece in someone’s home means more to us than we can truly express.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In this first year of launching our business we have learned to overcome obstacles thrown our way. Everyday is a new learning experience and every challenge given to us in this business is a lesson for us to become more wise, more experienced and more knowledgeable in this industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We specialize in non-toxic, eco-friendly, sustainable concrete candles. What sets us apart from other candle makers is that we do not source our jars from mass produced wholesalers, we hand make all of our concrete jars ourselves. We’re 100% committed to minimizing our carbon footprint by handcrafting our reusable concrete candles. Once you’re finished burning your non-toxic candle you can purchase a refill soy candle drop-in that will continue the life of your concrete vessel or you can use your concrete piece as a planter or home decor item. We are most proud of the fact that our products are created from ‘dust-up’ by us using natural, organic ingredients and only working with fragrance houses and suppliers that are 100% cruelty-free, paraben-free and align with our values as a brand. We sell our products on our website RyanandLeigha.com and at local markets and pop-ups. We set up weekly at the local Farmers & Artisans market in Lockhart,Tx every Saturday and Budaful Farmers Market in Buda, Tx every Sunday.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The candle industry is expected to see significant growth in the next five years, with projections showing a market size increase of around 50% or more, driven by growing consumer demand for wellness-focused products, a shift towards eco-friendly options, and increasing online sales, with a particular focus on unique scents and personalized experiences. At Struthers & Co. Candles we hope to be apart of the growth trend by expanding our brand into a brick & mortar and giving our customers the up close and personal of how and what we create.
Pricing:
- $30.00 Concrete Candle
- $18.00 Drop in refill
- $10.00 Concrete Candle Tray
- $10.00 Concrete Match Holder
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanandleigha.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/struthersandco.candles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551347170303
