Student Spotlight: TK and her Candles

How she handles being a student-athlete and a small business owner

Images c/o TK's Candles 

By Madison Sciba
Associate Editor

What started off as a way to make money during quarantine is now a successful small business. Graduate student and softball player, TK created her small candle business, TK’s Candles, in her apartment in April 2020. Being a one-woman show, TK makes the candles, runs the website, and ships out the products all herself. 

Taking us through the  process of running her business, TK describes what she does once an order is placed through her website. “Once I get the order I print it out so I have a list of what it is that I need to pack.” She explains, “The candles are already made so I go to where I have them on my shelf, take one of those, wrap it up in a cute honey-comb wrap and add a bow. Then I place it in a box with a thank you card and a TK’s Candles matchbox.” TK makes all of the products herself, making them in bulk batches so they are ready to ship once she gets an order. 

In describing her goals for her business, TK explains her desire to expand her audience on social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok (links below). She currently sells her products at farmers markets but wishes to attend more markets and fairs to expand her reach. Increasing her website traffic and trying to get her candles in stores are also top priorities for TK and her business. 

“My end goal is to hopefully open up a storefront.” TK says, “I plan on expanding past candles, probably soaps and fragrance sprays as well.” 

As a fulltime student and athlete, TK says that time management is an essential part of balancing school, practices, and running a small business. “Time management is just a skill that I have now.” She explains, “My business is a passion that I have outside of my sport and something that I enjoy when I have free time. It gives me some piece of mind. It is a hobby and a business.” 

She hopes that her story and her experience as a student-athlete and a small business owner can empower other women who wish to start their own small businesses and follow their dreams. 

Website: https://www.tkscandles.com/
Instagram/TikTok: @TKsCandles 
Facebook: TK Candles Elk Grove 
Etsy: TKsCandlesCA