Lady of the Lake Candles has been in operation since 2021. I was a teacher at the time (I still am), and while that tends to keep me busy regardless of the scenario, the sudden shift in…everything…that happened in 2020 made me think more introspectively. How could I find respite and a creative outlet during that time? A candle business!

When I decided to try this new thing as more than a hobby, I didn’t know what I was getting into…but being a student again has been amazing. I’ve experimented with four kinds of wax, discovered the critical importance of testing wicks, mixed countless scent combinations, and driven myself to the brink of insanity over labeling. The most challenging lesson, though, has been patience. Candles need time to cure. That can be so frustrating because I want to burn them immediately!

People often ask how this business got its name. There were so many factors in the decision…my obsession with British literature, my love and respect for the water in general (Southeastern Virginia has no shortage of waterways), and even my adoration for alliteration. It all came together to bring me to this place.