Shopify Masters How a DIYer Created a Global Candle Brand
Apr 15, 2025
Kristen Pumphrey, the creative mind behind P.F. Candle Co., shares her inspiring journey from DIY candle maker to global brand leader. She discusses the challenges of crafting unique scents and fulfilling large retail orders, highlighting her entrepreneurial resilience. Kristen also dives into effective marketing strategies, emphasizing the power of organic social media and partnerships with notable retailers like CB2. She reflects on lessons learned from licensing deals and the impact of the pandemic, while teasing exciting future collaborations.
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Early Candle Making Journey
- Kristen learned to make candles at age 12 using her sister's candle making kit from home ec. She made and sold various handmade goods during college using platforms like Etsy. - She experimented for five years before PF Candle got its big break, showing persistence through early struggles.
Find Your Unique Niche
- Don't try to copy PF Candle; find your unique niche and unmet needs in the market. - Identify an audience segment that's underserved to create a distinct product offering.
Document SOPs Early
- Vertical integration lets you obsess over product quality and understand every step of creation. - Document clear SOPs even if small; they enable scaling and consistent quality when training others.