Me Time x Milk Jar

Do more. Be more. You should be doing this. You shouldn’t be doing that. Was I productive enough today?

These are the stream of thoughts often troubling much of our culture, even those who are seemingly unaffected by the pressures of modern-day society. Now more than ever, companies are asking more from their employees with fewer resources available, and with so many roles and responsibilities to fulfill, many of us are left feeling burnt out at the end of the day and undoubtedly do not have enough hours. Motoring through long periods of time without adequate replenishment can truly mimic burning the candle at both ends and as such, can ultimately wreak havoc on our overall health and well-being. Life will always have its share of stress-a little bit is always necessary and inevitable-but there is one thing we can all do to alleviate excessive amounts, as well as reduce anxiety and boost good-mood-practice of self-care.

I used to think self-care could boil down to a quick fix of shopping or binge-watching my favourite show, but unfortunately, although amazing, I would argue these methods of indulging do not suffice a quality connection with oneself. Experimenting with mindfulness more recently, I realized a deeper sense of being in tune with my thoughts and therefore knew that it was essential to create a quiet space to read and reflect after a hectic period of work and parenting. Just as a bouquet of flowers can bring life to a room, I find that a candle can be a fundamental addition to connect the mind with spirit. For as long as I can remember I’ve been purchasing generic candles at a lower price point based solely on the way they smell, but it wasn’t until I sat down with my friend and CEO of Milk Jar, Holly Singer that I realized the dangers of the common candle and what I was exposing my family to. If you don’t already know about this company or the scary truths of paraffin candles, read on to find out in this interview with Holly.

Tell me a quick summary about Milk Jar

Milk Jar is a soy candle company that I started in an effort to provide a more affordable clean burning candle with a beautiful crackling wood wick. I have always loved burning candles in my home and used to never think anything of the type of candle I was burning until a friend told me how harmful paraffin wax is. I started doing research and found countless articles on the harsh chemicals that are in paraffin wax which are what the majority of cheap candles are made with. This wax creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned (both are known carcinogens) and can cause respiratory issues as well. For someone that burns a lot of candles and cares about my health, I knew I had to switch to cleaner candles. Burning soy-based candles, free from paraffin wax, and using a wick that is also safe and clean to burn (some cheap cotton wicks can still contain lead) is what clean burning means to Milk Jar. We have a line of candles scented with fragrance oils and a secondary line that uses completely natural, plant-based essential oils, which encompasses a “clean-burning” candle to its fullest potential.  

What was it about candles that got you inspired to start your own business?

My first thoughts of creating a brand and selling candles came after a full year of making my own soy candles for personal use as well as giving them to others. A friend who I often gave candles to asked me if I would be interested in selling at a pop up market with other vendors to raise money for relief to people who lost their homes and belongings in the Fort McMurray forest fires. I thought this was such an amazing idea but knew I couldn’t very well sell a candle without a brand or business, so that got me thinking “Hmm, what if I did ever want to sell my candles to raise money for a cause”. Not long after I created Milk Jar.

What keeps you inspired and fulfilled to continue creating and growing as a company?

 I honestly thought when I started Milk Jar that I could sell them at a couple pop up shops, maybe get into Market Collective one day, and maybe just maybe, I could sell them in a local store. I have now been in several markets including one in Victoria, have come out with a second line of essential oil Milk Jars, have them in over 30 stores across Canada and about to stock my first US store in Phoenix. How the heck did that happen? I am blown away and so thankful every day with how far and how fast Milk Jar has evolved.

Tell me about the community involvement for every sale of Milk Jar.  

This really was the driving force behind why I created a brand and wanted to sell candles in the first place-to give back to a community that holds a special place in my heart. I have a Kinesiology degree from the University of Calgary and much of my past volunteer and work experience has been working with children with special needs. Oftentimes these children have a more challenging time feeling able to participate in sports activities and connect with other kids, so programs that promote one’s ability and feelings of inclusion are so important to me. $1 from the sale of every Milk Jar candle is donated to a local program that supports special needs children. Last year, Milk Jar donated $2000 to CADS Calgary, the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing at Canada Olympic Park. Current Milk Jar donations support Between Friends, a registered charity offering social and recreational programs in Calgary and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Our goal is to raise $6000-$8000 to help send kids to summer camp.

When it comes to running a small business, we seem to have two choices: keep a traditional job as a safety net, or cut all ties and take the plunge. Neither choice is better than the other, but I’m always curious why people choose what they do. What thoughts informed your decision?  

I recently took a break from my nursing degree to pursue Milk Jar and that was an extremely difficult decision to make. I have never seen myself as an entrepreneur and have always been focused on getting an education and working a secure job. Developing and running a business is not like me and I decided to go for it when I realized how much I actually love the whole process of it, not just the craft, but the business and networking side. It also really helped that Milk Jar kind of became lighting in a bottle… the public loved it and it has proven to be a successful company early on. It is my baby and I am so darn proud of it! How could I not see it through?

What advice do you have for those starting their own endeavours?

 A friend told me once “focus on progress, not perfection” and that has really helped me during times when I have been unnecessarily hard on myself. If you worry too much about perfection, then there may not be any progress. Progress will lead to perfection.

How do you define success?

Waking up happy everyday to do the work that you do is obviously ideal, but there will always be times when the job is a struggle and you would rather just lie in bed, and this goes for all career paths whether you are a nurse, raising your children, or starting a candle company. As long as the work that you do gives your life meaning then it is worth it and you are already successful.

If you’re living in Victoria, you can pick up one of Holly’s candles from Amelia Lee downtown.

Milk Jar also offers free shipping for all orders over $100 Canada-wide.

Sue Moodle Photography (Milk Jar)

Luke Liable Photography (Momma Mills)