S01: Going From a Home Business to a Mini Candle Empire with Kristen Pumphrey

Right After Breakfast

Kristen Pumphrey is the founder and creative director at P.F. Candle Co. All of their candles are made using domestically grown soy wax, cotton core wicks, fine fragrance oils, and apothecary inspired packaging. Jars are finished off with a simple label and brass lid. Each candle is hand poured, packaged, and shipped in their Los Angeles studio.

When I first arrived at a large industrial looking building to interview Kristen I was immediately greeted with a smile and an offer to tour the “candle factory”. It was a thing of beauty, and had me thinking back to some brewery tours I had been on in the past. I instantly understood the vision that Kristen had for her candles, her employees, and the happy customers she was creating.

It was obvious how proud Kristen was to show off the fruits of her labor. A long journey that had brought her to a place that even she was probably surprised at. Her office was attached to the warehouse and we set up the microphones and started talking. With her co-owner and husband Tom in the background doing paperwork, I could tell that this was “home” for both of them. Or at least a second one.

Find Kristen Online:

Website - https://pfcandleco.com/

Facebook - @PFcandleco

Instagram - @pfcandleco

Twitter - @pfcandleco

Some Questions I Ask:

• How did the candle business officially start? (11:10)
• How hard was it to be the sole member of your candle company in the beginning? (13:30)
• Was there a low point where you thought you might have to end the business? (15:13)
• What is it like being married to your business partner? (17:46)
• Have you enjoyed the expansion of your company or do you miss the smaller scale? (24:01)

In This Episode, You Will Learn About:

• When to listen to your own advice
• Why the customer is always right, even when they aren't
• Having your partner also be your business partner
• The challenges of working out of your home
• Embracing a work-life balance that doesn't exist

Music Composed by John Zarcone