Meet The Maker

I was always drawn to the idea of building something of my own. As a kid, my answers to “What do you want to be?” ranged from lawyer to coroner to business owner, but the common thread was independence. I wanted to create something, put my name on it, and take full responsibility for its success.

After graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2015 with a degree in Political Science, I still wasn’t entirely sure what path I wanted to take. I explored different directions while working at a local print shop, but the desire to build something of my own never left.

In 2019, a simple scroll through social media changed everything. I came across soy candle-making and immediately thought, I can do that. What started as a creative outlet and a way to make handmade gifts quickly became an obsession. I dove into research, testing, and perfecting the craft. The creative freedom felt natural, and the demand for clean-burning soy candles in my area was growing.

I opened an Etsy shop with no expectations and launched my first small batch. It sold out in one day.

That was the moment I realized this was more than a hobby. What began on my couch with curiosity and a little courage has grown into Rustic Rays Candle Co., a business built on creativity, clean ingredients, and the belief that home fragrance should elevate everyday living.