Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Lewis.
Hi Mary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sometimes the best things in life come from unexpected beginnings. For me, it all started one Christmas with a simple candle-making kit. I poured my first candle just for fun, never imagining it would spark a whole new chapter in my life.
After retiring on disability, I found myself with too much time and not enough to keep my hands — or my mind — busy. I’ve always loved to create, and candle making quickly became more than just a pastime. It became therapy, a way to stay active, focused, and fulfilled.
Before long, friends and family began asking for candles of their own. One small batch led to another, and soon The Lakeside Candle Co. was born. Each candle I make is hand-poured with care using 100% natural soy wax and luxury fragrance oils — clean, sustainable, and crafted to bring a little light into every home.
What started as a way to stay busy has turned into a heartfelt business built on passion, creativity, and community. From my home by the lake to yours, every candle is a reminder that it’s never too late to find joy in something new.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t been easy. Living with ongoing health challenges means I have to take each day as it comes. Some days I can pour candles and work for hours, and other days I simply can’t. Every few months I undergo treatments that take a lot out of me, but candle making gives me something positive to come back to — something that keeps my hands busy and my spirit steady.
The local competition can be tough, especially as a one-woman business, but I’ve learned to stay focused on my own path. I pour with purpose and let the work speak for itself. The people who connect with my candles can feel the heart behind them, and that makes every struggle, every setback, and every comeback worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create hand-poured candles, wax melts, and a few small self-care products like beef tallow creams, scrubs, soaps, and bath salts. Everything I make is crafted with care using 100% all-natural soy wax, clean cotton, and high-quality fragrance oils. I specialize in-small micro-batch, artisanal candles designed to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of luxury to any space.
Before starting The Lakeside Candle Co., I had a professional career in Finance and Operations, serving as an Operations Manager for a back-office documentation group. That experience taught me the importance of precision, organization, and efficiency — skills I now apply to every step of my candle-making process, from blending scents to labeling and shipping.
I’m known for my attention to detail, the heart I pour into every candle, and my unique seasonal and local collections —inspired by my community and the beauty of the lake. What sets me apart is that this is truly a one-woman operation: I handle every step myself, ensuring every candle is crafted with care and authenticity.
What I’m most proud of is building something meaningful from a simple hobby. Candle making started as a way to keep my hands and mind busy, and it has grown into a small business that connects me with new friends,people who appreciate quality, authenticity, and the story behind each candle. Every candle is a little piece of my journey, and that personal touch is what makes them special.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to be patient and persistent. Candle making is as much about learning and experimenting as it is about creating a finished product. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — every batch teaches you something new.
I wish I had known how important it is to trust your own style and voice from the beginning. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but your unique perspective is what will set you apart. Also, running a small business, even a one-woman operation, takes planning and organization. Little things like keeping track of inventory, labeling, and setting up efficient workspaces can make a huge difference.
Finally, remember why you started. For me, it was about keeping my hands and mind busy, and that passion has kept me going through tough days. Let your love for what you do guide you, and the rest will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelakesidecandle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelakesidecandle?igsh=MWsyYTMxNmdyODNoNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090658698241&mibextid=JRoKGi
- Twitter: https://x.com/lakeside_candle?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thelakesidecandleco?si=4qGOqLyNsbI5RrMj
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.lakeside.candle?_t=ZT-90LmM9Tct93&_r=1
