We recently had the chance to connect with kelly madole and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning kelly, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think people sometimes assume running a candle business is just melting wax and pouring it into jars. In reality, it’s so much more — it’s picking out scents, testing and tweaking, making sure every ingredient is clean and safe, designing labels and packaging, updating the website, and so much more. There’s a lot of detail and thought that goes into just one product.
What I really want people to know is that I’m not just selling candles — I’m creating something that can change the feeling of a room. A scent can take you back to childhood, help you unwind after a tough day, or make your home feel warm and welcoming. That’s the part that often gets overlooked, but it’s exactly why I do what I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kelly! I’m the founder of South Shore Scents Co., a veteran and woman-owned candle company based on Long Island, NY. What started as a simple candle-making kit has grown into a small business built on clean ingredients, cozy scents, and a love for creating products that make a house feel like home.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s not just about scents, it’s about feelings — coziness, relaxation, and nostalgia. Each product — from the hand-poured candles to the carefully designed packaging — is made in small batches with intention and detail, so you can feel good about what you’re bringing into your space.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my seasonal collections and growing my Candle Club subscription, so people can experience something new and comforting all year long. My goal is simple — to create scents that bring comfort, spark memories, and make everyday moments feel a little more special.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The person who taught me the most about work was my poppy. He ran his own business, and growing up I saw firsthand what it meant to show up every day, work hard, and take pride in what you create. That stuck with me.
I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spark — I dabbled in other ventures, including a few MLM-type businesses — but they never felt truly mine. South Shore Scents Co. is different. It’s the first time I built something completely from scratch, and it’s mine in every sense. That drive to keep pushing and growing definitely comes from him.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her, “Believe in yourself — even when it feels scary.” For a long time, I thought success meant following the “safe” or traditional path. If I could go back, I’d reassure her that the risks, the failures, and even the struggles are all part of building something meaningful. I’d tell her she’s capable of more than she could ever imagine, and that one day she’d be proud of the life she created.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The value I protect most is authenticity. In the candle world, words like “eco-friendly” and “clean” get thrown around a lot, and they don’t always mean what people think. For me, it’s simple — I want my customers to know that what I say about my products is exactly what they’re getting. Every candle is made with safe ingredients, poured in small batches, and designed with care and I’m open about that process.. I’m not here to chase trends or be flashy — I just want to stay true to my values, my story, and the people who support me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who believed in creating meaning out of simple things. That I didn’t wait for permission to follow my heart, but built something from nothing that made life feel a little warmer. At the end of the day, I’d want my story to remind others that even the smallest light can change the way you see the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southshorescentsco.com
- Instagram: southshorescentsco
- Facebook: south shore scents co
Image Credits
Noelle Carina Photography, and Myself (Kelly Madole)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
