Meet Alyssa Butor | Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Butor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hi! Im Alyssa and I am the creator of Rocky Mountain Waxory . The idea for Rocky Mountain Waxory came in early 2021 from the need of wanting a clean candle along with my passion for trying new things. I went back and forth with what I wanted to create as my new business venture. I wasn’t sure it was even going to be candles but I knew I loved them and there was a definite need for better burning candles in the world. So I thought let’s give it a shot! I will figure out the rest as I go if I am successful in creating a candle that actually burns the way I want it to in my mind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Have you ever burned a candle trying to set the tone , relax and unwind- to just end up with a headache or a candle that doesn’t perform well? I have , many times. I’ve burned $8-$68 candles and the result was always the same . Wasted wax due to tunneling, not a good smelling candle and unwanted side effects from burning said candle. So it was my determination to create the cleanest candle I possibly could. You are still technically burning something so some will argue it isn’t clean. However, for the people who do love candles – these make a huge difference . They burn from top to bottom with no tunneling, the smell is great until the last burn, there are no headaches reported, clean for kids to inhale , animals etc. I use scents that are phthalate free – so no plastics are burning in the air . This is the biggest cause of headaches next to the quality of the wax. The Soy wax that I use is grown in the USA. It maintains its smooth and butter-like texture with every burn. Wicks that are made from braided cotton and then dipped into soy wax to make its shape. Usually, there is zinc or lead braided in with the cotton that keeps them stiff. I also change the menu of scents that I offer with every season so there is always something new and fun to enjoy.
To me, this is what makes the difference. However, I would be lying if I said it didn’t come with its own set of challenges. It’s so easy to quit in this business as a candle maker because it IS hard. It’s not easy as 1.2.3 to make a candle. There is a lot of trial/error and science behind it. From the jar size matching the wick size, to the right temperature to pour, add fragrance and get it into a vessel – which all of those are different temperatures just so that can have a candle that cures properly and will perform from top to bottom. Once I learned all this I was able to understand why candles perform differently.
Like many others though, prior to learning I didn’t know there was so much variation in a candles performance and always just bought one because of the pretty jar or how it smelt. So I believe in not giving up , continuing to perfect the craft and showing people the difference between good and great when it comes to these burning beauties is what sets me apart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is amazing for adventure and a good time. Small gems hidden throughout. Staying in the city near Denver- I would recommend checking out Linger rooftop bar. The food, atmosphere- all of it is just top notch. Right below there is little man ice cream, which is also a must try. Even if it’s snowing, there is a line. For your entertainment, I would suggest a trip to meow wolf, museum of illusions, the Denver museum of nature and science, the botanical gardens, seeing a concert at red rocks (duh) , our 3 story REI and probably try to get your hands on tickets to one of our sports venues. All the teams may not be great but the spots are worth a travel. Outside of the city I would suggest going to national parks, state parks really anywhere west of Denver and you won’t be disappointed. Please remember to be respectful of our parks and clean up your trash, dog waste, be mindful of staying on the trail, wild flowers and documented protected areas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you to Jordan Person for recommending me for this article. She is such a gem on this earth to know. My husband who helps me in every way possible with this business. My friends and family who have been there every step of the way and loved all my creations. From hand written scent names with cardstock and twine to having over 1000 orders since 2021- I couldn’t have done it without them. To anyone who has ever given me feedback, inspired me or lifted me up when I was down – thank you.

Website: Www.rockymountainwaxory.com

Instagram: @rockymountainwaxory