Check Out Kelley J.’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley J. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Once upon a time, I was given a tarot deck as a joke holiday gift, and over the next decade+ that blossomed into a very deep love for divination through the cards (and a very large collection of decks). As my connection to the witchy community grew over time, I developed a great love of candles — as tools for rituals, as a way to set the atmosphere in a room, and as objects of beauty. Combining these two loves has led to where I am now, owning a small business! What I provide for others is healing and self-care, through aroma, ritual, and divination. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been struggles along the way! First and foremost, when I created skelleycat, I thought I was going to be making an enamel pin shop! Quick pivot to candles and bath+body, but I still have plans to make pins someday. Throughout this whole journey, I have maintained a full-time day job, so every minute I’ve spent working on this business has been carved out from the rest of my life. Since it started as a bit of a passion project, I have created some products I absolutely LOVE but see absolutely zero traction in sales. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is basically starting this small business right at the beginning of the pandemic! Supply chain and shipping delays are hitting all of us pretty hard right now, but it’s also been disappointing that I haven’t been able to have a presence at any local pop-up markets yet, since large gatherings aren’t the best idea in 2020-2021. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My personal mission is to create meaningful moments that illuminate one’s truth, bringing forth joy, inner calm, and empowerment. 

Each of my creations is crafted with these intentions pouring forth from my soul. It is my hope that each candle, sticker, bar of soap, herbal infusion — anything I make — finds its way into the hands of someone who wants and needs exactly that experience in that particular moment. I know that each of my creations will find the person they were meant for. 

My specialty is creating candles inspired by a theme (like the concept of a coven, or like the show Penny Dreadful), and infuse every part of the design with the essence of that theme. From the vessel to the fragrance blend, to the label design, to the herbs and crystals that adorn the top — each aspect is carefully selected to evoke that specific feeling and memory. 

I think what sets me apart from others is that I combine my love of witchcraft ritual with an excitement about pop culture. It’s not just a candle inspired by my favorite book. It’s a candle infused with the essence of that book, a candle that feels like its own sort of ritual and connection to that book when you breathe in the fragrance and light the wick. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are a lot of people I could name here! First of all would be my husband Chris and our friend Emma, who encouraged and supported me as I began this journey back in 2019! All of the tarot clients I have had over the years, and friends who have indulged me with card readings. All of the creators who have inspired me to bring my ideas to life and join the amazing community of witchy makers out there. And of course, my coach Belma from Work Bigger — and the entire community there (especially those in the entrepreneur group, like Ada from Chuan Skin Care)! Their support, advice, and enthusiasm have kept me motivated and inspired this year. 

Pricing:

• Candles range from $10-$30
• Tarot Readings range from $10-$40
• Bath+Body ranges from $4-$42
• Stickers are all $1-$3

Contact Info:

• Email: kelley@skelleycat.com
• Website: http://skelleycat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skelleycat/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skelleycatcom-112008993902925/
• Other: http://y.at/rainbow.poison.cat.sparkles