Meet Hattie Kingsley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hattie Kingsley

Hi Hattie , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hearth and Craft Co. started to take shape in 2017, first with it’s name. “Hearth” the cozy space in front of a roaring fireplace and “Craft” the appreciation for hand-made sustainable products for the home. I had journaled about creating an online store filled with all things cozy and decided to bring back my candle making hobby in 2019.

I am a self-taught candle chandler & run this co. out of my home. I quit my full-time job in Spring of 2020 feeling burnt out and ready to give this candle business a try. I was craving a slower way of living that didn’t revolve around the 8-5 grind. Inspired by, “hygge,” pronounced (hue-gah) the Danish concept of creating coziness and enjoying life’s simple pleasures – family, friends, good vibes & a warm glow, Hearth and Craft Co. was born.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been equal parts smooth and challenging! From the beginning, I wanted to set the intention for the business to grow organically even slowly at it’s own unique pace. Looking back at the numbers over the past 4+ years in business, I have been able to do just that. The biggest struggles were definitely in the early start and first 1-2 years. I remember getting overwhelmed by simply packing 1 order. Systems and processes take time to form and to perfect and it takes time to find your flow. There were many tears early on as well… broken candle vessels in shipping (biodegradable packing peanuts and honeycomb packing paper are now my shipping best friends!) Another hurdle was understanding the busy and slow seasons and how to plan and prepare for them. For example, January/February sales really drop off for us after the holiday season. So it is important to spread income avenues out. For example, running a yearly sale during the slower part of the year by building up report around it and market it up for customers to look forward annually. Or plan to participate in a local pop-up market or two. Or host a candle pouring party!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hearth and Craft is all about slowing down and finding cozy moments to relish in, and to romanticize each season through different scents and fragrance! We have alternating quarterly collections, highlighting approximately 8 different scents each seasons change. The Coffee House Collection is available all year round and includes scents like “Coffee Shop, Matcha Latte, London Fog and Teatime.” Some of our top selling fragrances across the seasons are, Orchard, Tobacco Leaves, Rustic Chalet, Bookstore, Winter Citrus, Cardamom & Cream and our classic year-round signature scent – Hygge.

I’m most proud of the “cozy rapport” that manifested from this little candle co. So many people tell me how excited they get when they receive their candle of the month subscription box or lighting their candle to wind down or enjoy their cleaned up home, or maybe to grieve and feel through something… candles are and have been around for centuries to add light and warmth to our lives! It’s good to be a vessel for mindful selfcare rituals that support mental health and intention setting. Most of all I value putting a safe product out in the world. Using only all-natural soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, essential oil blends, eco-friendly wood and hemp wicks. Giving our customers that extra peace of mind.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is a healthy work life balance. Firstly, because work isn’t everything and I believe we put too much weight into our careers that we tend to miss out on connection and room for creative inspiration. It’s important to me that I live out this slow “hygge” life that inspired this candle co. in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hearthandcraftcandleco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearthandcraftcandleco/

Image Credits
Victoria Petersen
Tess Vrbicky