Hi folks! Thanks for popping by for another edition to our Canadian Showcase series. Here, we feature up-and-coming, creative brands that are made and distributed locally. This month, I’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Molloy, the artsy creator of Daisy Day Co.
Canadian Showcase: Daisy Day Co
I’m not a fan of artificially scented candles made of gawd-knows-what. So I was immediately compelled by these 100% soy, all natural and organic candles that are made with 100% cotton wicks. No soot here! The candles are all paraffin, lead and zinc free, which makes them non-toxic and biodegradable. Also, rest assured that these candles are air-safe because the fragrances are paragon and phthalate free. Isn’t that great!?!?
Why Shop Local?
Every time you purchase a product from a Canadian brand, you’re helping put money back into our Canadian economy. Never has this been so important as we navigate the effects COVID has had on local business. Besides feeling good about doing so, you can also feel secure in the fact that these products meet Canadian health and safety guidelines. Best part? No fussing with cross-boarder shipping delays!
Let’s Chat with our Canadian Showcase feature business Daisy Day Co Founder, Stephanie Molly
Meeting new Canadian business owners has been one of the best benefits of launching this series. Stephanie has worked hard to grow her business during a pandemic and she has shared some wonderful insight into candle making and launching a business. She also has a really endearing story behind her company name that I’m sure you’ll love as much as I did. Let’s learn more!
Our readers are always interested in the origin story. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you discovered your love for candle making.
When I finished high school I went right into school for Interior Decorating at Humber College, after I graduated and worked a bit in the field, I realized that I wanted to continue my education and get my business degree. Once I began working on my degree, I then realized how passionate I was for marketing and after completing my degree I began working full time in marketing. I knew at some point I wanted to come back to interior decorating, more so as a side income – but just wasn’t sure how. One day during the beginning of the pandemic, an influencer I follow had started posting about a candle business that she was running right out of her kitchen, and I loved the idea!
I started planning, purchasing supplies, watching videos, and began making candles! I started product testing in May 2020 and began selling them in July 2020.
Launching a business under normal circumstances is frightening but during COVID it can be absolutely terrifying. How have you found the experience and is there any advice you’d give our readers?
I have learned so much about candle making and candles in general, this past year – I deeply respect all candle makers out there (hobbies and businesses). There is a great amount of science, calculations, and trial/error that goes into each batch – it’s not an inexpensive business to start but it’s a rewarding one!
Overall, the experience has been great – the largest aspect I’ve noticed is how supportive my friends and family have been. The number of people who purchased candles, shared/commented/liked my posts has been amazing. I always knew I had supportive people in my life, but starting this business makes me realize it even more!
The advice I would give to anyone who wants to make candles is to be patient with the process, it’s a lot of trial and error – wicks, wax types, fragrance percentages, binding temperatures, heat throw vs cold throw – but just keep at it! For anyone who wants to start a business, I would say educate yourself as much as you can about the industry, what you’re selling, your target market – find companies that are thriving in your industry and study them. Lastly, be patient with yourself, and appreciate those who support you.
What sets your product apart from others? What are your candles made from?
I use all-natural eco soy wax. Soy wax is a natural, sustainable, and renewable resource that is derived from vegetables, the soybean.
It’s a great vegan-friendly alternative to paraffin wax which is derived from petroleum and is not clean-burning, releasing soot, toxins, and chemicals into the environment. Soy wax is clean burning and will not release or leave any soot on your candle jars, walls, or lungs.
Soy wax also burns at a lower temperature than paraffin wax. Your candle will burn slower and therefore last for longer. The wicks I use are pure cotton, and the fragrances are paraben and phthalate-free!
How do you pick your scents? Any spoilers on future scents you’re working on?
I read fragrance reviews from other candle makers to see which oils their customers loved and weren’t so fond of. Two new scents are coming out May 1st, both are quite different from each other!
The bridal candle collection is also growing, I’m partnering up with a local gift box company to supply candles for their bridesmaid’s boxes!
My next goal is to expand into selling more decor items, beyond candles – that’s on the horizon very soon!
What’s your favourite candle fragrance and why?
It’s funny, everyone loves Lavender Lane, it’s my most popular, but I would have to say my favourite was from the holiday season, it was called “Oh, Christmas Tree” a fresh woody fragrance with hints of citrus and eucalyptus. The two that are coming out in May are a close second, they both smell amazing!
Our Canadian Showcase readers always ask…. How did you come up with your company name?
Growing up, my mom gave me the nickname “Daisy”. My goal was to come up with a meaningful name so I liked the idea of incorporating daisy into it somehow. I also wanted the name to have alliteration – which is where “day” comes in, and I thought it went well with daisy.
Finally, let me end this by saying a huge thank you to all those who have supported me this past year, whether it was liking/commenting on my posts, sharing my content, buying candles – I appreciate it more than you know!
You can find Stephanie and her amazing products through Instagram, on her Etsy shop or on Pinterest. I’ve been burning the Lavender Lane candle and it smells soooo good! With so many options and a growing list of scents, you’re sure to find your next candle-love at Daisy Day Co.
I hope you enjoyed this month’s feature Canadian Showcase as much as I loved getting to know her! If you have a business you’d like to see featured, please reach out to me or leave a comment below. And in case you missed it, last month we talked with Apricotton Founders Chloe & Jessica about empowering girls as they shop for their first bra and navigate this challenging time in their lives.
Until next time!
