We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Hi!  Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about White Stone Collection.  I am Erin White, founder and maker of White Stone Collection.  Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to start my own business.  I come from a family of entrepreneurs so the desire to create and build something to call my own has been instilled in me from a very young age.   I grew up in San Diego and have always had a creative side whether it was surfing, cooking or painting. Along with a strong work ethic and inspiration from my family, I found my true calling was hospitality.
Right out of college I entered the world of hospitality and found my niche in the Spa and Wellness industry.  I loved the concept of welcoming customers into a serene and tranquil environment where they could just relax and have some time to themselves.
When I was pregnant with my second child I started to think about ways that I could connect with people in a similar way to the Spa and Wellness industry.  I wanted to be able to give people around the world a spa-like experience within their own sacred space.  Candles and fragrances are a very specific part to making the spa experience what it is.  Whether you want to feel relaxed and refreshed or energized and rejuvenated, there is a scent to enhance every moment.
This is when I started to make my own candles. I began hosting candle parties as a fun way to get together with family and friends and learn which scents resonated best.  When the pandemic started I found myself off of work and took the leap to start my own candle business and White Stone Collection was born!

What should our readers know about your business?

White Stone Collection is a family owned and operated company based in sunny San Diego. We are known for our sophisticated designed candles that compliment your most sacred spaces. All of our scents are uniquely curated and inspired by the Southern California coastline.

We create a blend of fragrances and hand pour each candle in small batches. White Stone candles are made with the highest quality ingredients utilizing 100% US grown soy wax, premium fragrances, essential oils and natural lead free cotton wicks. All candles are phthalate, paraben and petroleum free with no additive or dyes. White Stone Collection is committed to a candle that burns clean to elevate your ambience and nurture your well being.

Cautious of our environmental impact, we remain minimalistic in our packaging, removing the idea of wasted packaged material other than the MVP itself, our candles. The glass containers can be reused and repurposed and should bring joy far after the candle has burned.

We also offer private labeling services that allow small business to elevate their own brand. Our private labeling services include anything from a company branded label on our existing scents to a completely customized package where you can create your very own scent and branded label.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I am a huge lover of mexican food! There are SO many amazing places to choose from, but to name a few – Ricos Taco Ship in Encinitas, El Indio in Downtown, Fidels in Solana Beach, The Taco Stand in La Jolla, Rudy’s in Solana Beach and late night Filibertos in Encinitas.

If you are looking for a cute and casual date night, Ken’s Sushi in Carmel Valley is another great spot. Hand’s down the best sushi in North County.

Some of my favorite outdoor spots to bring family and friends is the San Diego Botanical Gardens, Torrey Pines State Beach, Fletcher Cove and if you have little ones, of course The San Diego Zoo!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

So many people!

My dad and mom from a very young age led by example. They have always been entrepreneurs and have had many successful businesses. Observing first hand how they followed their passions and loved what they did. I lean on them for lots of support and they always have advice and words of encouragement.

My husband, Ryan White has always encouraged and supported this dream from the start. His love and support made me believe that this idea I once had could become a reality. He also holds me accountable to ensure I continue to meet my goals.

My sister, Lindsey Borchard who launched her Interior Design business, Lindsey Brooke Design back in 2016 has been a major influence. Watching how she has grown a successful business has been so inspiring. She has helped me in so many ways and has been my sounding board throughout this process.

My good friend and Graphic Designer, Amanda Chambers from Chambers Studio Design has been apart of White Stone Collection from the beginning. She has been the backbone in creating our branding and packaging and ensuring all our messaging is consistent to our brand identity. White Stone would not be what it is without her creativity and talent.

My in laws have been a huge support in the process by supporting our family life, watching our children to ensure I have the time to continue to grow our business. They have always believed in what we are doing and have always been a huge support.

The skills I learned from my mentor in Spa and Wellness, Kyra Johnson was incredibly impactful. She saw something in me, took me under her wing and shared her industry knowledge and opened up many doors for me within my previous career. She gave me the confidence I needed to pursue and meet my career goals and taught me so much about business and leadership that I will always take with me through this new journey.


Website: www.whitestonecollection.com

Instagram: @whitestonecandles

Facebook: White Stone Candles

Image Credits
Amy Bartlam Public311_Design

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