Meet Lauren Barley

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Barley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of passion, resilience, and a little bit of stubbornness! Growing up, I watched the women in my life hustle—whether it was running a household, building a career, or chasing a dream, they did it with grit and grace. That energy stuck with me. When I started Light My Candle Co., I knew that success wouldn’t just be about making beautiful candles—it would be about showing up every day, putting in the work, and believing in myself even when things got tough. For me, hard work isn’t just about long hours; it’s about heart, consistency, and the belief that anything is possible when you refuse to quit.

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

I’m the founder of Light My Candle Co., a brand that goes beyond just selling candles—we create experiences. Our candles are crafted to spark joy, set the mood, and bring a little extra magic into people’s lives. But what excites me the most is that my business is also a space for creativity, connection, and empowerment.

One of the most special things about Light My Candle Co. is how we blend artistry with storytelling. Every scent tells a story, and every candle is made with intention. Whether it’s a cozy vanilla that reminds you of home or a bold citrus that fuels your ambition, I want people to feel something when they light our candles.

Beyond the products, I’m passionate about building a community. That’s why we recently launched candle-making classes, where people can come together, get creative, and experience the joy of crafting something with their own hands. It’s been amazing to see people walk in as customers and leave feeling like artists.

On top of that, I’ve been sharing my journey as a small business owner on social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok, where I connect with fellow entrepreneurs and candle lovers. It’s not just about selling candles—it’s about inspiring others to chase their dreams, embrace their creativity, and build something they’re proud of.

And this is just the beginning! We have exciting things coming, from new seasonal collections to expanding our in-person experiences. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come! 💫

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, three key things have made the biggest impact on my journey: resilience, creativity, and community-building.

1. Resilience – Business (and life) will throw curveballs. There were moments when I questioned everything—when sales were slow, when things didn’t go as planned, when self-doubt crept in. But I learned that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. Resilience is about pushing through, adapting, and showing up even when things get hard. Advice: Get comfortable with failure. See it as feedback, not defeat. Learn from every challenge, pivot when needed, and remind yourself why you started.
2. Creativity – From designing candles to marketing and branding, creativity is the heartbeat of my business. But it’s not just about making pretty things—it’s about thinking differently, solving problems, and bringing fresh ideas to the table. Advice: Keep creating, even when it’s not perfect. Experiment, get inspired by different industries, and never be afraid to stand out. Creativity grows when you give yourself permission to explore.
3. Community-Building – A business isn’t just about selling; it’s about connecting. The people who support Light My Candle Co.—whether they’re buying candles, attending a class, or engaging with my content—are the heart of everything I do. Building genuine relationships has been a game-changer. Advice: Focus on people, not just products. Engage with your audience, share your journey, and create something that brings people together. The stronger your community, the stronger your brand.
For anyone starting their journey—trust yourself, stay curious, and remember that every expert was once a beginner. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep going! 💫

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, my biggest challenge is scaling my business while staying true to my brand and vision. Light My Candle Co. is growing—our community is expanding, demand is increasing, and opportunities are popping up left and right. But with growth comes new challenges: managing time, streamlining operations, and making sure that as we expand, we don’t lose the personal, handcrafted touch that makes us special.

To overcome this, I’m focusing on systems, delegation, and strategy. I’m refining my production process to make things more efficient without sacrificing quality. I’m learning to delegate—which, as a hands-on entrepreneur, is tough! But I know that building a strong team will allow me to focus on what I do best: creating, connecting, and growing the brand.

I’m also leaning into strategic marketing—being intentional with my content, email marketing, and customer engagement to maximize impact without burning out. And most importantly, I’m reminding myself that growth is a process. It’s okay to take it one step at a time and build a business that is not just successful but also sustainable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lightmycandleco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightmycandleco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightmycandlecoshop
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightmycandleco

Image Credits

Photo by Linsdsay Stephany Lau