Meet Krista Vanderveren

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Krista Vanderveren. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Krista below.

Krista, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I have learned over the year, that even the most successful entrepreneurs suffer from imposter syndrome in some form or another. There is a long standing doubt, that they shouldn’t be there, they don’t deserve where they are, they didn’t work hard enough for their success. I have sat at so many tables that ladies and gentlemen who I admire, flat out say they have imposter syndrome. I have over come feeling like that myself by sharing my passion and love for my craft. I know that there are many others in similar business models, but no one is just like me. Everyone is replaceable, but they can’t be replicated.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Chicwood Candle Company was founded in 2020 with the vision to create a sister brand to our women’s clothing boutique. While during covid lockdown I started making candles as gifts from Christmas. As the season went on, we quickly fell in love with making candles and creating a creative and unique candle. As the years have gone on, we have grown our candle company from one boutique carry our candles to over 70 stores throughout the midwest. As our brand has expanded, our offerings have as well. As we look forward to 2026, we offer four vessel types, and will be expanding to car freshners and room sprays.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three areas that have helped us be successful are:
1. Connections- working with local businesses through word of mouth and friendships got us seen at many stores.
2. Brand loyalty- creating a loyal following locally.
3. Educating on sustainability of our product.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents have helped me so much throughout my life that they impact me every day. From day one of our entrepreneur journey our parents have been there to support us. They have given us advice. Guided us. Cheered for us. They even helped us buy another business so we can all be partners together in creating a small business community. They know the importance of chasing your dreams and are there to support my sister and I every step of the way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photos taken by Krista Vanderveren- Chicwood Candle Co

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