Live Your Faith Catholic: Maker Spotlight

Q1: How did you first discover your passion for creating Catholic candles, and what inspired you to start Live Your Faith Catholic?

A1: Our passion for creating Catholic candles came from a deeply personal place. I've always found comfort in prayer, but during times of stress and anxiety, lighting a candle while praying brought me a greater sense of peace. However, I couldn’t find candles that combined high-quality, natural ingredients with the beauty of Catholic prayers. That's when my husband and I decided to start making our own.

We hand-pour each candle with intention, using materials that are both healthy and meaningful. Our desire to create Catholic candles also stemmed from a profound sense of gratitude and faith. After experiencing a transformative renewal in our lives, my husband and I felt called to do something beautiful for God, as a way to express our thankfulness for the new life He gave us. The candles symbolize this transition—moving from darkness into the light of Christ. We create each candle with care, knowing that every flame represents a personal connection to the divine, a beacon of prayer, and a reminder of God's presence in our lives. This desire to share that light with others inspired us to create Live Your Faith Catholic, and it’s been a blessing to see how our candles help others on their faith journeys.

Q2: Can you tell us about your first experience hand-pouring candles for a major event or church? What did you learn from that experience?

A2: Our first major event was at our home parish, St. Mary Magdalen. It was an incredibly exciting moment for us. We hand-poured every candle, carefully packaged them, and prayed that they would be a blessing to others. The feedback we received was heartwarming, and it was moving to see how the candles touched people’s hearts. This experience taught us the importance of attention to detail and reinforced how meaningful it is to create something that enhances a person’s prayer life. It also confirmed that our dedication to crafting each candle with love and faith truly made an impact.

Q3: What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their passion for faith-based products, like candles, into a career?

A3: My biggest piece of advice is to stay rooted in your faith and your "why." When creating something so closely tied to spiritual life, the authenticity and heart behind your work are essential. Be willing to put in the effort to refine your craft—experiment with materials, scents, and designs until you’re confident in your product. And don’t be afraid to share your story! People connect with both the product and the personal mission behind it. For us, prayer and perseverance have been key.

Q4: Catholic candles often carry deep spiritual meanings and can inspire prayer and reflection. How do you choose the prayers and scents for each candle, and what messages do you aim to convey through your work?

A4: We put a lot of thought and prayer into choosing the prayers and scents for each candle. The prayers are often inspired by Bible verses or prayers that have helped us during difficult times. We carefully select scents that complement the theme of the candle—such as calming lavender for our St. Therese candle or a blend of wood and lilies for our St. Joseph candle. Our goal is to create a multisensory experience that helps people deepen their prayer life and provides comfort and connection to their faith.

Q5: Can you share a memorable experience where one of your candles made a significant impact on someone’s spiritual life or faith journey? How did that experience affect you as a candle artisan?

A5: Last year, we met a gentleman at one of our shows who was in the process of converting to the Catholic faith. He purchased one of our candles and later reached out to tell us how much it meant to him. As a new convert, he shared that the candle's scent, along with the prayer that accompanied it, helped him connect deeply with his faith during a time of transition. Lighting the candle became a comforting and sacred part of his prayer routine, bringing him peace and focus. Hearing that our candle played a role in someone's spiritual journey, especially at such a pivotal moment, was incredibly moving. It made us realize that our work is not just about making candles but about helping people encounter their faith in a tangible, meaningful way. This experience reaffirmed our commitment to infusing each candle with intention and love.

Q6: In what ways has working with Catholic candles influenced your own personal growth or faith journey? Has your work deepened your connection with God?

A6: Working with Catholic candles has deeply influenced my personal faith journey. The process of hand-pouring each candle has become a form of prayer, allowing my husband and me to meditate on the prayers we embed in each product. Creating these candles has brought me closer to God, making me more mindful of how faith can be experienced in everyday moments. Each candle reminds me to be present in prayer and to offer something beautiful to God. It has definitely deepened my connection with my faith, and I feel blessed to share that connection with others through our candles.

Q7: Looking back on your journey, what are the key lessons you’ve learned through your experiences as a candle artisan, and how have they shaped your vision for the future?

A7: One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of patience and perseverance. Candle-making is an art that requires attention to detail, and it took us over a year to perfect our process. This journey taught me that growth and success don’t happen overnight—it’s about staying faithful to the mission and being open to learning along the way. I’ve also learned how much people need tangible reminders of their faith, especially during difficult times. This realization has shaped our vision for the future: to continue creating faith-based products that help people connect with God in meaningful ways. Looking ahead, I see Live Your Faith Catholic expanding not just in product offerings but in our ability to inspire and uplift people on their faith journeys.