Meet Adi Reuveny, Elle Smith, Meg Welch | Co-Founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adi Reuveny, Elle Smith, Meg Welch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adi Reuveny, Elle Smith, Meg Welch, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Persephone Candleworks was born out of a desire to take a step away from the droning toil of office life and create something to be truly proud of. Wanting more control over our career paths and the opportunity to truly express our creativity and utilize our strengths, we decided to take a leap and start our own business where we could design unique products we believe in. We were also concerned by the types of chemicals found in many mass-produced candles and wanted to provide an affordable artisan alternative that was safe for people, their pets, and the environment. Owning our company allows us to craft scents and labels that tell meaningful stories while avoiding toxic ingredients. It’s been very fulfilling to work for ourselves and bring unique handcrafted candles to the market that promote the well-being of earth creatures.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart from others has been our intentionality in all aspects of the Persephone Candleworks brand. We are intentional about thoughtfully crafting each product down to the smallest detail – from using only natural, high-quality ingredients to designing vintage-inspired labels that tell a story. Our intention is to create candles that are both beautifully designed home accents as well as clean-burning wellness instruments. We approach every customer interaction and business decision with care, prioritizing transparency and forging real connections. It is this commitment to intentionality, from the functional to the aesthetic, that keeps our customers loyal and makes our brand recognizable. People appreciate that we’ve put our heart into nurturing not just a brand, but a community with shared values of well-being, craftsmanship, and care for this earth and its beings.

Building a business from the ground up is far from easy. There are periods that feel overwhelming and we often work evenings and weekends, but we’ve found that when we’re truly passionate about our work, long hours don’t always feel like “work” – there’s an element of playfulness and joy even in the most tedious of tasks. Having a close-knit team to overcome challenges with has made the hard times feel less daunting. We knew we could trust each other to put in the work and see it through. Through perseverance, an unwavering commitment to our values and vision, and a sense of humor, we’ve been able to grow Persephone Candleworks into the thriving business it is today.

We want people to know us as a brand that truly embodies all three of our unique personalities, values, and creative strengths. It’s rare to find a group project, let alone a business, where every member feels equally valued and represented in the final product. We are committed to operating with care, creativity, and compassion, which lets us use our business as a force for good in people’s lives. Whether through the connections fostered with customers who find joy in our creations, or the partnerships formed with like-minded businesses, giving people a reason to smile is our driving purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d experience the heart of Denver through its lively farmers markets and pop-ups showcasing local artisans. The creativity and community vibe is always inspiring.

We’d stop in to browse the shelves at Petals & Pages. As a feminist and queer independent bookstore, flower shop, and community space, the sense of community and support you feel as soon as you walk through the door is truly remarkable.

A picnic in Wash Park under the trees is a must. Its vibrant atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for catching up over food.

Lost Coffee is next for its irresistible specialty drinks. Our friend would definitely find a new favorite beverage there.

We would choose a trail with scenic mountain overlooks or one tracing a mellow path beside a lake. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the trails out here.

In the evening we’d take in an amazing show set against the majestic backdrop of Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We have so many people to thank for helping Persephone Candleworks get off the ground and thrive in our first year. Firstly, our friends who rallied behind this dream from the start – their continuing love and confidence in us has made all the difference.

We also want to recognize the queer community in Denver. You’ve welcomed us with open arms from day one and inspired us to stay true to our authentic selves through this venture. A special shoutout goes to Denver Queer Art Club – hosting the absolute best markets and keeping artists supported. Thank you for the space and community.

We also want to thank Colfax Avenue for inviting us to create custom candles last holiday season for their Bag of Colfax. It was such an honor, especially with how new we were, and we discovered our love for collaborative projects.

To all who continue lifting up queer creativity and local businesses, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your encouragement powers our passion as we move forward together.

Website: https://www.persephonecandleworks.com/

Instagram: @persephonecandleworks

Facebook: Persephone Candleworks