Meet JayLynn McDaniel | Model, Creator & Candle Maker

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

Hi JayLynn, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My background and my first love is modeling- I started my modeling career when I was 15 years old. Modeling started everything for me- opened the doors and paved the way for so many opportunities for me. I’ve been published in over 16 different countries. I launched my candle business November 2019- I guess you could describe me as a model who makes candles. Lol. I would say the most important factor behind the success of my brand CandlesbyJay is the care, thought and intention that I put into each and every single candle. Not only are my products infused with so much love and energy- they are made with only the purest, high quality most natural ingredients. I am a huge advocate on products being organic, environmentally friendly, sustainable and just healthier for our world and the people and animals that inhabit this world. I hand pour and hand craft each and every candle individually. I do not machine produce anything. I think it gives my work that personal, sentimental touch that people love and appreciate. Before I started CandlesbyJay, I was one of those people (and I still am) just obsessed with candles. There was never a time when a candle was not lit in my home. I started doing research on what the average candle contains, hows it’s made etc. What I discovered shocked me. The most popular candles in the market are made with paraffin wax and fragrance oils filled with phthalates and other harmful and unnatural ingredients. I learned that paraffin wax candles give off similar fumes to that of diesel fuel. I believe that something so beautiful as a candle should not be tainted by such harsh chemicals and they shouldn’t be harmful to you ad the environment at all. All CandlesbyJay products are paraffin, paraban, phthalate, toxin free. I use 100% pure soy wax that is ethically sourced and renewable. You can enjoy the aesthetic of my candles, the scent of them, the ambiance you create with them- worry free. I’m a very spiritual person as well. I combine my love and knowledge of the metaphysical world and the many properties of crystals, flowers, herbs, plants and roots. I believe in magic, love and the well being of your mind, body, heart and soul. My candles are an extension of that- I have two different lines; my Original Scented Candles and my Ritual Intention Candles.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional published Model who turned my love for candles into a small business. I’m most proud of and excited about growth, about learning, about becoming and creating the best version of me and the best version of my business. Even though modeling and candle making are on two separate ends of the spectrum, It’s been such an amazing experience being able to incorporate my love and knowledge for both and just create. I love Art, I love creating. I am always bursting with new ideas- new photo shoot ideas, new candle creation ideas. I love the creative process with both. It’s so fun for me, it makes me so happy. I am able to uplift myself and raise my vibrations doing something I love while making products for others to enjoy. It doesn’t get better than that. I got to where I am today professionally by just not giving up. I have a strong willed, passionate, stubborn heart. I go after what I want relentlessly. I don’t fear failure or rejection- I jump in head first. Nothing has ever been easy. It’s always been some type of challenge, some type of obstacle and blockage. Difficulties are expected- you just get smarter and better at trouble shooting them and maintaining faith. I believe that the Universe is always conspiring on your behalf. I haven’t even reached the surface of what I believe I can still accomplish. There’s a whole other level I have yet to achieve. The lessons I’ve learned is to continue to persevere no matter what. If you have a dream, the only thing that is going to stop you from fulfilling it is you. I’ve become really good at manifesting, setting intentions, visualizing. The mantra behind my candle brand is “Manifest your Miracles” and that’s the belief, the hope and inspiration behind everything. That you have the power to create change, create the life you love, create your own miracles. Everything is possible. Don’t let anyone dissuade you, don’t let anyone convince you that you are unworthy or not enough. Surround yourself with dreamers, not dream killers. But most of all, please practice Self Care and Healing. Loving yourself, honoring yourself and taking care of your body, mind, heart and soul are key to a successful journey. I just want to inspire. No matter your background, no matter your past, no matter what head start you have or didn’t have- there is hope. Always. You are so loved, so deserving, so valued and there is more than enough abundance and space in this world that you can win too. That’s what I want people to take away from me and my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First of all, I am such a movie and dinner girl. I LOVE food, I LOVE film, I love adventuring. A perfect Saturday to me would be to sleep in then go to a yoga class to set the day with intention, good vibes and healing. Then we can grab brunch at Crepes n’ Crepes in Cherry Creek North. They have the most amazing crepes. Then I would check out the Denver Botanic Garden- I love plants and flowers so much. After we could grab boba tea at Kung Fu Tea and a cupcake at Milk & Cake. I have a big sweet tooth lol. Maybe check out an Art Gallery somewhere. We have some amazing metaphysical shops here as well. I love expanding my crystal, tarot, incense collection lol. I love to visit Goddess Isis, Alchemy Ritual Goods, RitualCravt, Golden Rock Shop. I love surrounding myself with those vibes. I’ve never been a night life person but I do enjoy a nice dinner. I love sushi- I’d probably choose to end the night at Hapa Sushi- I absolutely love their food, To end the night we can catch a film, a horror movie in particular because those are my favorite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am nothing without the people that have been so loving and so supportive to me and my dreams since Day 1. My family, my mother and my sisters especially have been the biggest inspiration and backbone for me. They keep me going everyday. Everything I do is I do with my family in mind. That one day I could give them all a life they deserve. I WILL buy my mom the house of her dreams one day. She helps me so much with packing and shipping my candles and just being there for me in general. Other people that have helped me build my brand that I wouldn’t be anywhere without- I need to recognize Layne Steege. Layne is a good friend as well as the most amazing web designer, graphic designer and creator, She has helped turned my visions into life. She created my website and my logo. She’s just an artisitic genius and amazing person. Mia Griggs is also notable, She is a wonderfully talented photographer that I have worked with for many years. She has photographed me as a model and she was also the first photographer to take product shots for my candle business. Her work is just magical and she captured my candles so perfectly and whimsically,

Website: www.candlesbyjay.com
Instagram: @candlesbyjay and @miss_jaylynn
Facebook: CandlesbyJay

Image Credits
Mia Griggs, Caitlyn Swithers, Layne Steege, Halle Nicholas