The Candle Bug

Chad Blanton and business partner Louise Jones learned the craft of candlemaking working part-time seasonally for the Kandle Kitchen. As The owner prepared to retire, Chad and Louise decided to use their combined experience to launch a new brand, The Candle Bug.

Interview with Chad:

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The Candle Bug was launched in 2015 and grew each year from online sales, festivals, craft fairs, candles, and cocktail parties. Each candle is happily hand-poured here in Nashville with organic coconut wax and luxury fragrances. Like many small businesses and especially luxury brands, the worldwide challenges due to a global pandemic continue to present themselves. Supply chain issues, high shipping costs, and in-person event cancellation’s impacted sales. Hopefully, As people are finding their new normal little touches of luxury, candles will be more valued.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Chad’s background in hospitality management and Louise’s previously owned retail clothing stores; all the elements to kickstart a luxury candle company were there.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
They are growing up in the small town of Savannah, TN, Where one of his junior high teachers was a country star, Darrell Worley. Chad remembers coming to Nashville to attend family reunions at the governor’s mansion while his cousin Ray Blanton was the governor. This led to dreams of moving to Nashville and starting a business someday. Louise grew up just outside Bakersville, California, known as Nashville West, and remembers watching her parents manage their small business and undoubtedly inherent her entrepreneurial spirit.