We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katrina Murphy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katrina, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism is rooted in my faith, fueled by motherhood, and constantly renewed through the journey of building For Madeline Candle Company — a brand born out of love, legacy, and light.
After being laid off, I had a choice: sit in the setback or lean into something meaningful. I chose to pour my heart into candles — a small project I had started with my daughter, Kasey, whose middle name is Madeline. What began at our kitchen table turned into a brand that’s now lighting up homes and hearts all over. We don’t just call it a business — we call it a community. We lovingly refer to ourselves as The Flames — because every one of us carries light.
Legacy is one of the greatest sources of my strength and hope. I named our top-selling scent Mollie’s Love in honor of my grandmother, who lived a life full of faith, service, and love. Every time I pour that fragrance, I feel her presence — like she’s still guiding me, reminding me to trust God and keep going. Her example taught me to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and build something that lasts. In many ways, the foundation of For Madeline Candle Company was inspired by the legacy she left behind.
And then there’s my husband — affectionately known as Mr. Flame. He’s been my biggest cheerleader. I created our Madeline for Him collection with him in mind, especially because of his love for beard care. Watching him light up when using our products — knowing they were crafted with intention and love — makes this journey even more special.
From vendor events like Boho Market to Black on the Block, I’ve had the joy of connecting with people face-to-face, sharing our story, and watching total strangers become loyal Flames. Those moments fuel me.
Optimism, for me, isn’t blind positivity — it’s faith in action. It’s believing that even when things get tough, there’s purpose in the process. It’s trusting that what I’m building — with God, my family, and this community — is bigger than me. And it’s knowing the best is still on the way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At For Madeline Candle Company, everything we do is about turning legacy into light. I’m Katrina Murphy — wife, mother, and founder of this faith-led brand that started with a simple candle project at home and grew into something so much greater.
We handcraft soy candles, room sprays, body oils, and our new men’s line Madeline for Him, which was inspired by my husband — affectionately known as Mr. Flame. Our top-selling fragrance, Mollie’s Love, is a tribute to my grandmother, whose life of faith and love continues to guide me.
What makes our brand special is the intentionality behind every product. Whether you’re lighting a candle or using our beard butter, you’re experiencing something crafted with heart, prayer, and purpose. We believe fragrance is a form of ministry — it brings comfort, evokes joy, and sets the atmosphere for peace.
We’ve had the honor of connecting with our growing community, The Flames, at vendor events like Boho Market and Black on the Block. These events allow us to share our story face-to-face and remind people that they’re not just purchasing a product — they’re becoming part of something meaningful.
What’s next? We’re expanding into more local boutiques, preparing for a full fall and holiday market season, and continuing to build out our product lines — all while staying true to our mission of bringing love to light with every flame.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are faith, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Faith is the foundation of everything I do. It’s what steadied me through uncertainty and gave me the courage to keep going when the path wasn’t clear. When I started For Madeline Candle Company, it wasn’t because I had all the answers or a full business plan — I just believed that God planted this vision in me for a reason. My advice to anyone just starting out is to stay spiritually grounded. Pray over your business. Journal your vision. Surround yourself with people who speak life into your dreams. Your faith will carry you through seasons where hustle isn’t enough.
Resilience has also played a huge role in my journey. From navigating job loss to figuring out vendor events, production, and packaging on my own, I’ve faced plenty of “no’s,” delays, and lessons learned the hard way. Resilience taught me to show up even when I was tired, scared, or unsure. If you’re early in your journey, know that you don’t need perfect conditions to begin. Start with what you have, stay flexible, and understand that setbacks aren’t the end — they’re often just redirections.
Finally, resourcefulness has been essential. Whether I was managing corporate finances or budgeting for my first candle-making supplies, I had to get creative and learn fast. I figured out packaging, sourcing, website design, and social media marketing — often without outside help or a big budget. My advice? Be open to learning. You don’t need to know everything right away. Ask questions, Google everything, watch tutorials, listen to podcasts, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
No matter where you’re starting from, your dream is valid. Build it brick by brick — with faith, grit, and wisdom. And don’t forget to enjoy the process along the way.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed — and it definitely happens — I give myself permission to pause and reset. I’m a full-time consultant for a hospital system, a mom to an amazing daughter who’s in gymnastics, soccer, and a full social calendar of playdates and birthday parties. I’m also running For Madeline Candle Company, cooking nightly dinners, and still making space for date nights with Mr. Flame. Life is full — and sometimes it gets heavy.
One of the best ways I’ve learned to manage those moments is through meditation. I’ll play calming meditation music, breathe deeply, and allow myself to just be still. Sometimes that’s five minutes in the car before school pickup, other times it’s late at night when the house is finally quiet. That space helps me come back to myself and remember that everything doesn’t have to be handled all at once.
My advice: Give yourself grace and make space to slow down. You don’t have to carry everything alone, and you’re not weak for needing rest. Build little resets into your day — a moment of silence, soft music, a candlelit bath, or journaling your thoughts. Ask for help when you need it. And make sure something in your schedule brings you joy, not just productivity.
Overwhelm is real, but so is your strength — especially when it’s nurtured by stillness, faith, and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Formadeline.myshopify.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formadelinecandles?igsh=bWwyNG5tNG1mZDVw&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
D Clark Photos
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