We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Life threw a major plot twist my way in 2015 when my mom was in a horrific car accident, leaving her in a coma for over a month and requiring two years of rehab. I stepped away from my restaurant job to become her primary caregiver, juggling hospital visits, rehab schedules, and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. Meanwhile, I had to survive entirely on my fledgling junk removal business, IREP Junk Removal, to keep the bills paid.
It was trial by fire, but I made it through by seeking help—group therapy, one-on-one coaching, and a whole lot of deep breathing. I learned the power of shifting my mindset, mastering time management, and becoming an expert in pivoting at a moment’s notice. That experience built my resilience and shaped how I run my businesses (and my life) today.
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?
I’m the proud owner of IREP Junk Removal and Edgewater Candles ATX, two very different businesses with the same heartbeat: community, sustainability, and purpose.
IREP stands for I Recycle Everything Possible, and we take that seriously. We’re a woman-owned junk removal company based in Austin, TX, and we specialize in helping property managers, realtors, and landlords with everything from trash outs and writs of possession to furniture removal and illegal dumping cleanups. But what makes IREP different is our commitment to the environment — we divert at least 60% of the items we collect away from the landfill through donation, recycling, and resale. We even launched IREP Resale, our thrift shop that offers steeply discounted secondhand finds, free drinks, games for discounts, and community events.
Edgewater Candles ATX is my creative outlet. We hand-pour 100% soy wax candles using phthalate-free fragrances, focusing on scent blends that feel like a deep breath — comforting, nostalgic, and clean. What excites me most is being able to combine artistry with impact: we donate a portion of every online order to local non-profits and are always developing new scents and vessels that bring joy and style into people’s homes. We’ve also been building partnerships with local wellness providers — from therapists to pulmonologists — who want to give meaningful gifts to their clients.
What ties these two businesses together is my love for building experiences with purpose. Whether it’s removing junk to make space for something new or conducting a candle making class as a team-building event, I’m deeply focused on doing meaningful work that’s good for people and good for the planet.
Right now, we’re celebrating a few things:
IREP just hosted our 3rd Annual Junk ‘N Jam fundraiser basketball game on April 6th with NBA All-Star Chris Gatling. We raised the most money so far for two amazing non-profits – Louder than Silence and ReWork Project.
We’re also expanding our flat-rate bulk item subscription service for multi-family properties to actually make it profitable for those complexes.
Edgewater Candles ATX just released a new scent prototype called Italian Orange Cream Soda and is offering candle-making classes as team-building outings for small businesses in Austin.
Both brands reflect my belief that business can be a force for good — and I’m proud to be building companies that serve people and the planet with integrity, creativity, and heart.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resourcefulness, relationship-building, and a commitment to purpose over perfection.
Resourcefulness – When you’re building something from the ground up — especially with limited funding or support — being resourceful is everything. Whether it was figuring out how to divert furniture from landfills, launching a thrift shop to reduce waste, or creating a new candle scent on a tight budget, I’ve had to get creative, scrappy, and solution-oriented. My advice: learn to see what is instead of waiting for what should be. Use the tools, connections, and skills you already have to start moving — momentum is powerful.
Relationship-Building – Neither of my businesses would exist without the trust and support of people — from loyal customers and community partners to vendors and fellow entrepreneurs. I show up consistently, stay curious about people’s needs, and try to make sure every interaction feels like more than just a transaction. My advice: care — genuinely. People can tell. Relationships are your greatest asset.
Purpose Over Perfection – I’ve made mistakes, had flops, and pivoted more times than I can count. But my commitment to building something meaningful — not just polished — has kept me going. With IREP, the mission is sustainability and second chances. With Edgewater, it’s creating comfort and community through scent. That purpose is my compass. My advice: start messy. The “perfect” moment or product isn’t real — but your purpose is. Lead with that, and refine as you grow.
At the end of the day, building something real takes grit, grace, and a whole lot of belief — in yourself, and in the possibility of what you’re creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: edgewatercandlesatx.com, irepjunkremoval.com
- Instagram: @IREPATX, @edgewatercandlesatx
- Facebook: facebook.com/IREPATX, facebook.com/edgewatercandlesatx
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