Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Rivers-Klopsis.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Nicole and I am completely and utterly obsessed with candles and all things home fragrance! In 2018, my candle-making journey started. My initial desire was to create a signature scented candle to relax after a hectic day at work. A candle that was all-natural and burned clean. (Trust me, I had enough going on in my busy life without adding the side effects of inhaling paraffin and other chemicals to the list!)
After my first successful candle, my passion grew. In fact, it grew so much that I was running out of room in my house to store all of my candles! For the next year, every special occasion, holiday, and birthday was celebrated with one of my candles. My friends and family loved them and that freed up space in my house to keep creating!
So, Tribal Candle Company was born. A brand reflective of who I am, where I was going, and all the people in my life who helped inspire me on this journey – my tribe!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been rewarding, but definitely not without its fair share of challenges! Initially, testing and perfecting formulations used to keep me awake at night. Once I created a candle that was retail-ready, the challenges shifted more towards supply chain issues and materials shortages. That can be overwhelming when you are scaling production from crafting 15 candles as a hobby vs. hundreds of candles for trade/market events and retail partners. Right now, I’m making a conscious effort to prioritize a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur. As a small business owner, I wear a lot of hats. I am the creative director, production team, social media manager, shipping/logistics department, web developer, brand specialist, and a host of other positions, so I am learning that it’s okay to take a personal day or few every so often.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Tribal Candle Co. was established with a mission to create all-natural, clean-burning fragrance goods. Using intentional fragrance blends, a minimalist design concept, and the finest ingredients, we create a sensory experience that compliments the well-curated home.
This year we have had the pleasure of scenting the homes and spaces of a few celebrities including professional athletes, actors, and high-profile real estate professionals, as well as being featured in 4 magazines, so we are proud that we are growing and amassing new clients. It always feels good to see your hard work pay off in such an organic way.
I think passion and a genuine love for what we do at Tribal Candle Co. set us apart from others. When the pandemic first started, there was an increased interest in the craft of chandlery. I feel that consumers know when you are doing something that you like vs. when it is being done for social media likes and as a way to make a quick profit. I am obsessed with candles and having a beautifully scented home and my customers connect with that. So, it’s that brand story connection that drives the success of our business.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
If you are looking for a glimpse into my life (professional or otherwise), you’d find it in one of several sketchbooks I keep on hand. I use sketchbooks for everything from working out new fragrance concepts and packaging ideas to branding inspo. Pinterest is one of my favorite apps, hands down! In addition to my obsession with home fragrance, I also love interior decor, so I create and save pins that resonate with my brand story. It always helps to have visual concepts. Sometimes, I look at pictures and wonder what a certain place or home would smell like and 6 months to a year later, we have a new fragrance! Two of my other favorite resources would be my Mac mini, which is important to the design process, and my camera, which I use to capture inspiring moments when I’m on the go.
Pricing:
- 15 oz. Candles, $44
- Tablescapes Ceramic candles, $54 and $170
- Linen|Room Mist, $24
- Travel Tins, $16
- Reed Diffusers, $48
Contact Info:
- Website: tribalcandleco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tribalcandleco
Image Credits
Allie Cardona
