From Hobby to Business: Sierra Fraser’s Candle-Making Journey

Sierra Fraser, a resident of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, has transformed her candle-making hobby into a thriving small business since 2024. Initially started as a creative outlet to help manage her anxiety, Fraser’s passion for candle making quickly evolved into a venture named Fraser’s Flames. Today, she produces and sells an array of soy candles and wax melts, each crafted to evoke specific feelings associated with different seasons, stories, and moods.

Fraser describes her journey into entrepreneurship as a natural progression. “Selling them felt like the perfect way to share what I love with others, and it also helped fund my growing hobby,” she explains. Her creations aim to fill spaces with warmth and ambience, capturing the essence of personal experiences and memories.

Creative Process and Inspiration

From a young age, Fraser identified as a creative individual, often indulging in storytelling and artistic activities. Candle making added another layer to her creative expression. Initially, she experimented without formal guidance, but as her interest deepened, she turned to online resources, particularly YouTube, to refine her techniques. This hands-on approach involved considerable practice, where she learned through trial and error.

Fraser notes that while preferences for scents vary among customers, certain fragrances have gained significant popularity. One standout is her candle called “Gram’s House,” which evokes the comforting scent of freshly baked goods with a hint of cinnamon. “It smells wonderful and has a story people can relate to, which is probably why it has become one of the most popular candles,” she adds.

When crafting new products, Fraser draws inspiration from her life experiences. Each candle and wax melt reflects personal connections, making them meaningful. For instance, her Gothic Romance candle emerged from a visit to Casa Loma in Toronto, blending memories of the location with a gothic romance film she later watched.

Community and Future Aspirations

Creating candles offers Fraser a respite from daily stressors. She finds joy in bringing her ideas to life and sharing them with others. “I also enjoy creating alongside other people and being part of a community filled with some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet,” she states. Despite the enjoyment, Fraser acknowledges the challenges of showcasing her work and securing funding to support her business endeavors.

The positive feedback from customers has been encouraging. She delights in hearing stories about how her candles fit into special moments, such as being gifted or used during celebrations. Notably, her P.E.I. candle has a unique backstory, having been photographed alongside a giant potato during a trip to Prince Edward Island.

Looking ahead, Fraser aims to expand her offerings by creating larger candles with intricate details and varied designs. She envisions using different molds to embed stories within her creations, enhancing their narrative quality.

While managing her burgeoning business, Fraser balances her studies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is currently pursuing a degree in digital marketing to complement her education. “Selling my candles has been a fun and exciting way to explore my creativity, earn a little extra during school to support my hobby, and learn new skills that I hope will help me in a future career,” she shares.

For those interested in viewing or purchasing products from Fraser’s Flames, her candles and wax melts are available at local markets throughout Pictou County. She also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, where followers can discover her latest creations and stay updated on her market appearances.