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Photos Provided By Stevi Ann
When did you first realize you had a passion for creating things, and how did that evolve over time?
I’ve always loved crafting and using my hands to create something new. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in all kinds of creative hobbies - from baking, painting and gardening to macramé, Cricut projects, and various DIY crafts. I’ve always enjoyed learning how something is made and then putting my own creative spin on it.
My passion for candle-making specifically began in late 2020, when I purchased a candle-making kit to create candles for my own wedding. I quickly fell in love with the process and the creativity that came with it. What I intended to be a DIY project eventually became the creative outlet that truly stuck with me and, ultimately, the foundation for Stevi Ann Designs.
How did planning your wedding lead you into candle-making, and what was the first candle you ever created?
I wanted to DIY many of the details of my wedding, including the favors, and I thought candles would be something meaningful that our guests could take home and enjoy.
The very first candle I made was a soy candle in a black tin with a cotton wick, scented with Cactus Flower & Jade. I still have photos of those early candles, and they’re such a fun reminder of where the journey began.
At the time, I had no idea that making those candles for my wedding would eventually lead to Stevi Ann Designs.
In what ways does your background in Quality Control and Validation influence your approach to crafting candles?
My background in Quality Control and Validation has had a huge influence on the way I approach candle-making and product development. I’ve always been very detail-oriented, but my professional experience taught me to be especially intentional about consistency, documentation, and testing.
I’ve developed procedures and records-management practices for the production and testing of my products so that I can maintain consistency and ensure they meet my standards. I’m also very precise when it comes to measurements and candle testing because things like wax, fragrance load, wick selection, vessel size, and burn performance all work together to create the final experience.
For me, candle-making is both a creative art and a technical process. I really enjoy that balance between the two.
What role did encouragement from your husband and loved ones play in turning your hobby into a business?
My friends and family were some of my earliest supporters. After seeing the wedding décor and gifts I had made, I received so many compliments that friends started encouraging me to open an Etsy shop.
My husband has also always been incredibly supportive of my dreams and goals. That encouragement gave me the confidence to take the first step, so I started an Etsy shop focused on wedding décor and bridal party gifts.
Interestingly, candles eventually became the part of the business that I connected with most deeply. What began as a creative hobby gradually evolved into the business I have today.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing new scents or designs?
A lot of my inspiration comes from nature. I’m naturally drawn to earthy, herbal, and woodsy scents, so many of my fragrance blends have some kind of warm, grounding element.
I also love creating complex, elevated interpretations of familiar scents. For example, I might start with something very recognizable, like lavender or vanilla, and build around it with other notes to create something that feels more sophisticated and unexpected.
I approach design in much the same way. I’m drawn to earth tones, natural materials like bamboo, and clean, understated designs, but I also love adding a touch of luxury, usually through details like gold. I want the products to feel beautiful in their own right while still complementing the spaces they’re brought into.
What techniques or skills have you enjoyed learning and perfecting as you’ve grown your candle-making craft?
One of my favorite parts of growing this business has been having clients who trust me to push the boundaries of what I create.
Most recently, I’ve been learning and developing my skills with pillar candles, including creating custom pillar candles for wedding centerpieces. Pillar candles are very different from container candles. They use a different type of wax and require a completely different process, from pouring and molding to finishing the candle.
I really enjoy learning new techniques because there’s always another aspect of the craft to explore. It keeps the creative process exciting and gives me opportunities to continue challenging myself.
What do you hope people feel or experience when they bring one of your scented creations into their home?
I want my products to make people feel luxurious, cozy, comfortable, and at home.
For me, fragrance has such a powerful connection to our emotions and our memories. I want Stevi Ann Designs products to become part of those little everyday moments - whether that’s lighting a candle at the end of a long day, enjoying a beautiful fragrance throughout your home, or simply creating an environment that feels peaceful and inviting.
Ultimately, I want the experience to feel like a little bit of luxury woven into everyday life.
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As your brand continues to grow, what new ideas or products are you excited to explore next?
I’m really excited about expanding the Stevi Ann Designs experience beyond individual products and creating more ways for customers to enjoy the brand throughout the year. One of the projects I’m currently developing is a seasonal subscription box, which will bring together a curated selection of candles, fragrance, body-care, and other lifestyle products in a beautiful seasonal experience.
I love the idea of creating something that feels like a little surprise delivered to your door - a thoughtfully curated collection that allows you to discover new products and enjoy a little bit of luxury each season.
I’m also exploring additional fragrance, body-care, and home-fragrance products, so there are definitely some new things in the works. I’m excited to continue growing the brand while staying true to the same focus on quality, intentionality, and creating products that make everyday moments feel a little more special.
MY REVIEW: The presentation is amazing , you can instantly tell she use high‑quality materials for both the containers and the candles. The moment you open the can, the scent hits you in the best way. It throws off so much fragrance without ever being overpowering, which I absolutely love.
Cashmere Veil (cashmere musk, vanilla, soft woods) is a beautifully light, cozy scent. Soft, elegant, and perfect for anyone who loves something subtle yet comforting.
With the holidays coming up, these candles make great gifts and stocking stuffers. And if you know a newly married couple or anyone moving into a new home, these are wonderful housewarming gift recommendations too.