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

Hi Kym, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?

I think for a lot of people on the outside, candle making may not look that complicated. A lot of people think it is just a matter of blending oils and melting wax, but it is actually a very nuanced science. There are so many factors and variables that go into creating a candle that not only smells right, but also burns correctly.

Everything from selecting the correct gauge wick that fits a jar, to the amount of fragrance and pour temperature changes with every candle scent that I make.

There is also a lengthy testing process that goes along with each candle. I will conduct multiple tests on each candle scent to ensure that it is safe, smells good and is long lasting.

Small business life has been a lesson in giving myself grace and compassion, and picking up the pieces from disappointment and moving forward. Sometimes things are hard, but they are also incredible and amazing. I am so proud of myself for pushing forward and continuing to grow and challenge myself in new ways. I remind myself daily that it is just as important to celebrate the small wins as the monumental ones.

What should our readers know about your business?
Wax Crescent is a female-owned candle company based in Longmont, Colorado, founded on the idea of self-care, accessible luxury and intention.

I started making candles in 2016 when I found out how toxic candles could be. I would get terrible migraines just from smelling a candle. Once I figured out that my headaches were caused by harmful chemicals, I set out to create a candle that was free of toxics and (bonus) eco-friendly. After years of testing and hobby candle making in my tiny apartment kitchen, I decided that I wanted to turn my love into a business. In 2019 I launched Wax Crescent.

There have been a number of challenges along this journey of entrepreneurship. In college I studied English Literature and Creative Writing–having a business was definitely not on my radar.

The last few years have been a wild experience in learning every aspect of running a business. I have come to accept that I don’t know what I don’t know, however I am capable of learning it. I think that it is incredibly important as someone starting out on the small business journey to tap into whatever resources that you can: find community, take courses and search out a mentor.

Small business life has been a lesson in giving myself grace and compassion, and picking up the pieces from disappointment and moving forward. Sometimes things are hard, but they are also incredible and amazing. I am so proud of myself for pushing forward and continuing to grow and challenge myself in new ways. I remind myself daily that it is important to celebrate the small wins as well as the monumental ones.

I am truly grateful every single day that I get to share my love, passions and business with my customers and community. My mission is to provide my customers with a beautiful and non-toxic product that enhances and elevates their physical space, and my desire is that lighting a Wax Crescent candle is an intentional act of self-care.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing to do is head to a farmers market on the weekend. My favorite market around is the Highland Square Farmers Market on Sundays. I would encourage anyone visiting the Denver area to pop by. Not only do you get to shop from some amazing local farmers and small businesses, but the Highlands neighborhood has such a cool vibe. The street is lined with incredible shops and restaurants.

I always take summer visitors paddle boarding–Colorado has so many beautiful lakes. Then a trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a day of hiking and popping around Estes Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think that so much of the success that I have had with Wax Crescent is the result of my friendships with other business owners. I have so many incredible female entrepreneurs in my life who not only support me, but are growing their own businesses along side me. As a solo entrepreneur it has been essential for me to build community and to create relationships with other businesses who I can work in tandem with. These relationships have provided me with the support, encouragement and resources to move forward with Wax Crescent. 

Website: https://waxcrescent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waxcrescent/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waxcrescent

Other: pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/waxcrescent/

Image Credits
KaSandra Mitchell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.