Daily Burn Candle Studio new business owned by Black in Gainesville

A job loss during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown led Gainesville-based Reggie Nelson to his true passion – making his own vegan soy candles by hand.

Nelson, 38, is the owner and founder of Daily Burn Candle Studio, a small black-owned company that specializes in handmade vegan soy candles.

Nelson was a passionate candle lover and always enjoyed candles on special occasions from his wife Elena.

“I would literally buy him like a box of candles from Bath & Body Works every year because he loves candles so much and it was always a nice gift for him for Christmas,” said Elena Nelson.

Reggie Nelson was a claims adjuster with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. for a decade before joining a lawyer for six months in 2019.

He returned to the company by the start of the pandemic in 2020 and his office has been closed.

“This changed the dynamic of everything … working from home gave me a lot of flexibility and freedom to think about things,” said Nelson.

After encouraging his wife to make their own candles, the couple set out to properly research the market.

“We did a lot of research. It’s so crazy how many different types of waxes there are that you can use on a candle. We were looking for something that was inexpensive but also environmentally friendly. The vegan soy is safe for children and pets, and we have both, ”said Elena Nelson.

In an effort to be a health conscious small business, the couple began experimenting with various manufacturers who processed vegan soy.

“I realized that there aren’t too many natural, organic candle makers in Gainesville … there are people who made some, but no one really promoted vegan soy,” said Reggie Nelson.

Elena Nelson usually works behind the scenes at the company as the couple have two young sons, 12-year-old Hayden and 15-month-old Barrett.

“Reggie is the face of the business while I do more of the business side like doing the bookkeeping, booking events for him and helping with the design of the labels,” she said.

The couple started the candle company in January, and Reggie Nelson entered a trial period in February and March that focused on figuring out how to release the products.

In addition to the vegan soy, the inventory of the Daily Burn Candle Studio all has a unique name, such as a song title or a reference.

Examples include a floral scented candle called Dear Mama, a lavender scented candle called Purple Rain & Lavender Keeps Me Sane, and a tobacco scented candle called Domo Arigato, Mr. Tobacco.

“After graduating in music, I wanted to be a performer first, but then went completely left and got into American corporate world … I wanted to bring my love of music to a unique level,” said Reggie Nelson.

The Daily Burn Candle Studio launched online on April 1st, and Reggie Nelson slowly began setting up at local farmers markets to sell the candles.

Florida Vintage Market

Ray Gazzelli, 36, is the primary organizer of Florida Vintage Market, a community pop-up market that does business in a variety of locations across Gainesville. Small business owners are encouraged to apply to host the events.

Nelson applied, was selected and has been a regular seller of the Florida Vintage Market since August.

“He’s a pretty optimistic guy … he loves doing our events and he’s always on time … he’s a real stand-up seller in our markets,” said Gazzelli.

More:Micanopy antique stores go online to help stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic

More:The UF student startup ‘The Box’ offers sweet, savory treats

In addition to Gainesville, Nelson regularly commutes to an Orlando market.

Newberry Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nelson sets up a stall at the Newberry Farmers Market.

The various candles and wax melts caught the attention of Michelle Pagel, a dental hygienist who visits the farmers market almost every weekend.

Pagel, 51, started buying candles and trying different scents.

“I really love the scents of all candles and they burn really nicely… I like his latest from the fall collection. It’s the Red Hot Smashing Pumpkins, ”said Pagel.

Pagel now regularly stops at Nelson’s stand every weekend.

“He’s a very personable person and he responds to his customers when they show up. I liked his personality a lot and heard his story about his beginnings, ”said Pagel.

Reggie Nelson’s ultimate goal is to open a storefront for the Daily Burn Candle Studio and offer a date night that couples can come by and make a candle together.

Nelson was inspired by this idea when he thought of his wife, whom he met while bowling over a decade ago. He credits much of the company’s success to their behind-the-scenes efforts.

“She was definitely the backbone. She does a lot for branding and has a great eye for these things. It was because she pushed and encouraged me to be where I am now … I want to make sure that she always gets recognition, ”he said.

Nelson said he was looking forward to November and December as he expected candles to be in high demand as gifts.

“This time of year we’re just entering is when you’re really making the most of your sales, and reviews are crucial,” he said.

The post Daily Burn Candle Studio new business owned by Black in Gainesville first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/daily-burn-candle-studio-new-business-owned-by-black-in-gainesville/