Our Story: Shady Lake Candles
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The spark ignited back home in West Point, Mississippi. Funny enough, it was seeing my best friend start his little candle business downtown that planted the seed. But like many small-town kids, I craved something more, and Dallas, Texas, became my escape.
Fifteen years blurred into a whirlwind of city life – fancy restaurants, rooftop views. I was living what many would think was the dream, climbing the corporate ladder. Yet, every trip back to Mississippi felt less like a visit and more like a homecoming. Crossing into Vicksburg riding over the bridge, the familiar air and scent just felt right.
The truth eventually hit: the corner office wasn't filling a void. My "gold standard" wasn't mine at all. So, I did the unthinkable, trading my career for the quiet of home.
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It stunned some, but I yearned for an authentic life. I invested it all in a little place, ready to start a new chapter, guided by my heart.
Those first months were a jolt. Remote work didn't last; the job required a city return. I declined. Determined to build a life in Mississippi, I brainstormed. My eye for aesthetics and love for scents sparked an idea: candles. They'd always brought me joy. Then a plan formed. I started pouring wax with my best friend in my kitchen, and soon, the business for candles started to roll.
As I shared creations online, a question arose: what would I call this piece of hearts? I needed a name that was catchy, meaningful, a name that told a story.
That's when it hit me: Shady Lake.
Shady Lake was a spot from our childhood, our family lake. It wasn't always the most glamorous place. Over the years, it had become a bit of an eyesore. It had weeds, lily pads, and a pier that was more of an obstacle course than anything else. The camp house looked like it was built by--well, as we'd say back then, built by first settlers. But it was our place. It was where we went to escape, to have adventures, to just be kids. It was a place that was epic at one time, and even though it was a little rough around the edges, it held a special magic.
Our candles were a hit. Orders were coming in, and we were even doing private label and Christmas orders. Then, my partner got an offer for a job in another town, and the business started to fade. But I still believed in it. I knew I had what it takes to make it work.
And that's what brings me to today. I took over the business, and I'm excited to breathe new life into it. I'm introducing new scents, a new look, and even offering customers a chance to create their own personalized candles, along with our established line.