Meet Danielle Vargas | Exotic Candle Maker

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

Hi Danielle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was primarily driven by the fact that I was struggling to find a job. At the same time, my boyfriend encouraged me to take control of my own future and work for myself, instead of relying on someone else for employment. This motivation led me to explore my creative side, and I decided to try candle making. I was inspired to create beautiful, unique candle figures that could bring joy and warmth to people’s lives. Starting my own business has given me the freedom and fulfillment that I couldn’t find in a traditional job.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart from others in the candle-making business is my focus on creating truly unique, handcrafted candle figures that are not just functional but also serve as little works of art. I put a lot of attention into the details, from the design to the quality of the materials used, to ensure each candle is special and visually striking. What I’m most proud of is the joy and excitement I see on people’s faces when they receive their candles. Knowing that something I created has brought a smile to someone or brightened their day is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about making a product—it’s about creating a meaningful experience for my customers. Seeing how much they appreciate the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness behind each candle gives me a sense of purpose and motivation to keep growing my business.
My journey to where I am today has been filled with a lot of trial and error. I’ll admit, I probably could have done more research upfront, but I tend to be more of a ‘learn along the way’ kind of person. I dove right in, figuring things out as I went, which has been both challenging and rewarding. While there have definitely been bumps along the road, each mistake has taught me valuable lessons that have helped me improve my craft and business operations. The experience has made me more resilient and resourceful, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come despite the challenges.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is that we’re all on our own unique path, and it’s crucial not to compare ourselves to others. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when scrolling through social media and seeing other businesses seemingly doing better. However, we often don’t know what struggles those businesses are facing behind the scenes. Social media can make it easy to compare, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. I’ve learned to focus on my own growth and take pride in the progress I’ve made, rather than comparing myself to others.
I want the world to know that my brand is about more than just candles—it’s about creativity and bringing joy to others. Each candle I make is hand-crafted with care and attention to detail, designed not just to be a product, but a meaningful, beautiful piece that can brighten and bring warmth and charm to any space. My story is one of determination and learning through trial and error, and I hope it inspires others to take risks and follow their passions. I want my customers to know that when they purchase from my brand, they’re supporting something that is made with love, authenticity, and a genuine desire to make the world a little brighter, one candle at a time. My mission is to offer products that not only brighten a room but also bring a sense of joy and comfort to those who use them. I hope my story resonates with others, and that people see my brand as one that’s built on passion, creativity, and a commitment to spreading light in the most meaningful way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I was to give a short itinerary for the week, I would want a mix of relaxation, adventure, great food, and unique experiences.
Maybe on our first day we would go to La Jolla walking around to enjoy the coastal views and grab a bite to eat
Day 2: Balboa Park to look through some of the museums then Sunset Cliffs to eat dinner and watch the sun set
Day 3: Old Town is amazing for looking through shops and food/drinks
Day 4: The Zoo is always an amazing time!
Day 5: Hilcrest for thrift shopping and food/drinks
Day 6: Little Italy/spa day
Day 7: Beach Day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to my friend Krista Hatton for her encouragement and support along the way of me starting my own business. It has been a rewarding experience, and I’m proud to have followed this exciting new path.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DaniellesExCandles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielles.exoticcandles

Other: TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@danielles.exoticcandles

Image Credits
N/A
I took all pictures