from hobby to hustle: perry of candleglam
Sometimes, the biggest dreams start with the smallest moments. For the founder of Candleglam by Perry, it all began with a candle she never received. What started as a personal promise to one day make her own has turned into a thriving handmade brand, thousands of candles sold, and a community of 30,000+ followers. From late-night pours to wholesale success, her story is proof that a little determination, a lot of heart, and the courage to go all in can turn one small spark into something extraordinary.
From 200 Followers to 30K
"I started making candles in 2021, but I wasn't serious about it at first — it was just something I enjoyed. In November 2023, with only about 200 followers, I decided to go all in. The tipping point was deciding to commit. I started posting nonstop — every single day — and within six months I went from 200 followers to 30,000. That growth showed me this could be real. It took dedication and hard work, but I wanted it."
The Art Behind Every Pour
"I hand-pour soy and coconut wax candles in sculpted shapes, I use crackling wooden wicks because that soft crackling sound is relaxing and calming — it's part of the experience. And I don't just make candles: I also make wax bouquets, fragrances, perfumes, colognes, diffusers, soaps, and body oils. I love the moment wax becomes something beautiful — choosing the shape, pairing it with the right scent."Big Wins + Learning Moments
Pouring After Hours
Don't Compete. Create
"Don't try to be the cheapest — make something people can't find anywhere else. Test everything yourself before you sell it. And your phone is your storefront: I sell through Instagram DMs every single day."
The Dream Is Bigger Than the Doubt
"I don't give up. On tough days, I think about the big brands — how they started small, just like me, and look at where they are now. If they could do it, so can I."
From Heartbreak to Handmade
"The real why behind the candles is this: before I opened my business, I went to an event where everyone got goodie bags. Everyone got a candle in theirs — except me. Candles are my weakness. When I came to this country, I had such a hard time I couldn't even afford one candle. When I opened my bag and saw everything but the candle, my whole body went hot. I thought, "She didn't give me a candle on purpose“ — the one thing I was hoping for. And I told myself: I'm going to make my own one day. I opened body contouring and lymphatic drainage massage spa in my garage and my business was called Body Glam by Perry — I sold my body products in my spa from 2021 to 2023. It did well and I grew fast, but I was always thinking about that candle — the one I didn't get. When the spa owner found out I was making everything in my garage, they kicked us out. We bought a house in September 2023, I committed to the business full-time, and Body Glam by Perry became Candle Glam by Perry. And now I have candles everywhere — making my own, selling my handmade candles, shipping everywhere, wholesale everywhere. Such a beautiful dream come true."The Business Behind the Beauty
From Wax to Wow
From DMs to Wholesale Dreams
Coffee, Candles & Big Dreams
One Woman. A Thousand Hats.
"People are surprised I do everything solo while working a full-time job. Success for me looks like freedom — doing what I love, my candles in boutiques everywhere."
Makesy Magic
"Makesy has been a huge part of my journey. I buy my crackling wooden wicks from them — my bestseller uses them. When I was learning how to use wooden wicks, their customer service walked me through everything. I probably sent them 60 emails full of questions, and they helped me kindly every single time — the best customer service, hands down. My most profitable product, Dahlia Petals is MY BEST SELLER in body oil also I use Makesy Perfume base for my room sprays and perfumes.I love that their fragrances are natural. I would never trade Makesy for anyone else — the most luxurious, cleanest products.
