Rising Stars: Meet Valerie Kaoud

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Kaoud.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Val Viola Candles was born from a personal need. After struggling for years to find candles that didn’t trigger my migraines, I decided to create my own.

I began experimenting with cleaner ingredients and different scents, and after sharing my candles with family and friends, I realized I wasn’t alone in wanting a better home-fragrance option.

Today, Val Viola Candles is a woman-owned small business based in Orange, Connecticut. We hand-pour our candles in small batches using 100% soy wax and clean, paraben-free and phthalate-free fragrance oils. What started as a solution for myself has grown into a business focused on creating beautiful, whimsical candles that bring comfort and joy into people’s homes.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a business owner is never a smooth ride, but with the love and support of my friends, my community, and God, I’ve been able to overcome every obstacle thrown my way and continue growing Val Viola Candles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have always been a creative person, and using my hands to create something beautiful has always been a big part of my life. At Val Viola Candles, I’ve been able to turn that passion for creativity into a business by creating whimsical, hand-poured candles and home-fragrance products made with intention.

We use 100% soy wax and clean, paraben-free and phthalate-free fragrance oils to create products that are beautiful, fun, and made with ingredients our customers can feel good about bringing into their homes.

We’re known for our unique candle designs, seasonal scents, small-batch craftsmanship, and hands-on candle-making workshops throughout Connecticut.

What I’m most proud of is how far Val Viola Candles has come from simply being an idea born out of my own need. What sets us apart is that our products are rooted in a genuine purpose. I created Val Viola Candles because I wanted a better home-fragrance option for myself, and today I get to combine my creativity and passion for making with a mission to bring comfort, joy, and a little bit of magic into other people’s homes.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has nothing to do with it. God is at the center of my business, and everything I’ve built has come through faith, hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I truly believe that every obstacle and opportunity has been part of the journey God has placed before me.

Pricing:

• 8 Ounce Candles: $22
• 2 Ounce Candles: $6
• Artist Collection: $24
• Car Air Freshener: $9.98

Contact Info:

• Website: https://valviolancandles.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/valviolancandles
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/valviolacandles