Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaneisha Edwards.
Hi Kaneisha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Afterglo Candle Co. during quarantine when I was looking for small ways to feel calm and grounded. Candles became part of my daily routine, but I quickly realized I could not enjoy most store-bought ones for long because of my scent sensitivities. They would start to irritate me, so I got curious and began researching what was actually in them. Learning about paraffin wax and harsh chemicals made me want something cleaner, so I decided to try making my own candles at home.
At first, it was purely personal. I just wanted candles I could burn without getting headaches or feeling uncomfortable. I leaned into my love for DIY projects and started experimenting with 100 percent coconut soy wax and clean fragrance oils. There were a lot of failed batches, messy mistakes, and moments where I thought about giving up, especially since I did not come from money and every dollar I spent mattered. But I kept going, learned from each mistake, and slowly started creating scents I was proud of. Eventually, friends and family encouraged me to sell them, and that is how Afterglo Candle Co. was born.
The name Afterglo carries deep meaning for me. It comes from the word afterglow, which is defined as a soft light that remains after the sun has set or after an event has passed. That definition perfectly describes how I think about my late aunt Gloria, who we lovingly called Glo. Even though she is no longer physically here, her warmth, light, and beautiful spirit still live on with us every day. Today, Afterglo has grown into a small but meaningful business that reflects my values of clean living, creativity, and intention. I hand-pour every candle in small batches and focus on making scents that feel comforting without being overwhelming. I am most proud that I built this brand from the ground up with limited resources, a lot of faith, and a real belief in what I was creating, and that I now get to share something so personal with others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. When I first started Afterglo, I had no idea how much trial and error it would take just to get my candles right. I went through a lot of failed batches trying to figure out the best wax, wick, and fragrance balance, and it was frustrating to waste time and money when I already did not have much of either. Since I did not come from money, every supply order felt like a risk, and there were moments when I questioned if I was being irresponsible for even trying. On top of that, I was learning everything as I went, from pricing and packaging to branding and marketing, which was overwhelming at times.
Sales were not always consistent either, and that part really tested my confidence. There were slow periods where I wondered if people actually liked my candles or if I was just being supported out of kindness by friends and family. Balancing this business with everyday life and other responsibilities was also a struggle, especially when I felt pressure to show up online and stay motivated even when results were not immediate. But each challenge taught me something, and looking back, I am grateful for those tough moments because they made me more patient, more resourceful, and more confident in what I am building.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Afterglo Candle Co. is a clean candle brand I started after realizing I could not enjoy most store-bought candles because of my scent sensitivities. I hand-pour every candle using 100 percent coconut soy wax and clean fragrance oils, and I focus on creating scents that are warm, long-lasting, and not overwhelming. What began as a personal solution during quarantine turned into a small business built around clean living, creativity, and intention. I specialize in candles that feel comforting and cozy without being too strong, and I am known for making products that people with sensitivities can actually enjoy.
What sets Afterglo apart is the heart behind the brand, the care that goes into every candle, and the deeper meaning behind the name itself. I am most proud of building this brand from the ground up with limited resources and a lot of faith in what I was creating. I want readers to know that Afterglo is not just about candles. It is about creating small moments of comfort, calm, and connection through clean, thoughtfully made products that come from a very real and personal place.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I have never really seen myself as a natural risk-taker, mostly because I did not grow up with much financial cushion, so I have always had to be very mindful about how I move, especially when money is involved. Once it is gone, sometimes that is it until I figure out how to get more, so I learned early on to be careful and intentional with my choices. Because of that, I tend to think things through instead of jumping in blindly. For me, risk feels less like taking a leap and more like taking a thoughtful step forward after doing my research and trusting my instincts.
Starting Afterglo Candle Co. was definitely the biggest risk I have taken. I invested my own limited funds into supplies, spent countless hours learning through trial and error, and put my work out there without knowing if anyone would actually buy it. There were moments when sales were slow and I questioned if I was making the right decision, but I believed in the product and the mission behind it. I learned that growth usually sits just outside your comfort zone, and every meaningful step I have taken with my brand started with a risk that felt scary at the time but necessary in hindsight.
Pricing:
- 8oz $16.99
- 14oz $26.99
- 16oz $31.99
- Wax Melts $8.99
- Mobile Candle Classes starting at $50 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.afterglocandleco.com
- Instagram: @Afterglo_Candle_Co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ap3Diwqja/?mibextid=wwXIfr
