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

Hi Luke, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
As a professional actor, I am often hustling for the next job. When I lost my dream job last year due to COVID-19, and all the other theaters closed, I was at a loss of what to do next. For a while I felt like I had lost my purpose. After all, it’s what I trained to do and have dedicated my life to. So when I finally decided to start my own business, it sort of filled the void of that audition hustle. Now instead of singing, I am hustling to sell my candles. It’s not exactly where I thought I’d be after a year of this, but I’m really proud of what I’ve created.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company is called Something Rad Candle Co.. We specialize in 80s and 90s pop-culture inspired candles. I definitely took inspiration from my favorite Saturday morning cartoons, movies, and television shows that I loved growing up. I design, and hand pour all of my candles. It’s definitely been a labor of love, and at first it was hard to get the word out there. But through the magic of social media, word-of-mouth, and lots of shameless self promotion, we are doing very well. I am excited to see where things go from here. Especially after this pandemic ends.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely the beach. One of the privileges of living in Southern California is our proximity to the ocean. When any of my family or friends come visit from out of town, we have to have a beach day. I also love to take visitors to Coronado Island to see the Hotel Del. It’s so historic and beautiful and feels like going back in time. It’s always great to sit down and have a cocktail or eat lunch there. And the view is unreal. We are so lucky to be surrounded by so much beauty here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, none of this would have been possible without my fiancé and partner, JD. He was the one who initially encouraged me to make candles. I sort of brushed him off, thinking it was silly to pivot like that. But eventually I came around, and now I am running a successful business. He has supported me every step of the way, and helps me put together orders, as well as helping out at live events. He’s definitely my biggest support system. Also my family has been incredible through this process. They are definitely some of my best customers!

Website: www.somethingradcandleco.com

Instagram: @somethingradcandleco

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/somethingradcandleco

Image Credits
Photo by JD Dumas

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.