Meet Nikki Mehr | Candle Maker & Hair Stylist

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

Hi Nikki, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is something I’ve been familiar with for a long time. I spent too much time playing it safe and feeling stagnant in jobs or certain situations, so one day I decided I was done with that. I always joke that you’re too young to hate your job.. which is true! I once saw a graph that showed how much of your life is spent working, so why wouldn’t you take a risk and try something you love? If that doesn’t work, try the next thing. Keep trying but never settle. Taking the risk of starting Blew, my candle company also led me into taking my other career as a hair stylist to the next level. I was so scared to venture out and be my own boss.. what if I fail? What if none of my clients follow me to my own salon? What if nobody buys my candles? Well, I figured I would deal with that once it happened… and it has yet to happen! I always believe it’s better to do something and possibly regret it than to not try it at all. Of course there are pros and cons of risk taking and in my case, running my own small businesses, but I can say the pros by far outweigh the cons!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My candle company, Blew Candle Co is different from others because I will not make anything that isn’t completely safe to have in your home. I use 100% soy wax, eco friendly wicks, and clean fragrance oils. I believe in trying to make as little waste as possible. I re use, recycle and up-cycle. My claim to fame is that my candles burn every last drop of wax in them! This was far from easy and took a lot of trial and error. I am still figuring out ways to make my candles the best they can be, and I love to get feedback from customers. There were plenty of times I wanted to quit because I made a bad batch, or supplies became too expensive, not enough people were placing orders, etc. I’m so glad I never did. It’s all a learning experience, the good and the bad!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Redondo Beach so I am a little bias but.. I’m pretty sure it’s the best place ever. Palos Verdes isn’t far from here and is the most beautiful drive with gorgeous cliffs, hikes and look outs. MB Post in Manhattan Beach never disappoints and there’s some delicious sushi spots around here. I prefer to walk the strand, stare at the beach and just take it all in. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, a 2 hour drive either way brings you to Santa Barbara or Palm Springs, two of my favorite places. You really can’t go wrong in Southern California.

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?
My shoutout goes to my family, husband, friends, clients and everyone that supports my wild ideas. I’ll never forget sitting in my living room with my close friends trying to come up with a name for my candle company. A lot of people tell me they love the name “Blew” and it always makes me happy because coming up with it was my favorite part of starting the company. My parents have always supported all of my ventures and I couldn’t have done it without them. My husband of course who always supports me and assures me all my ideas are good ones.. even if they may not be. He is also my heavy lifter.. Thanks babe! Lastly, every single person that has posted about my work, referred clients to me, sent candles as gifts, supported me in any way..I wouldn’t be where I am without all of you. Thank you!

Website: Www.BlewCandleCo.Com

Instagram: BlewCandleCo

Yelp: Hair By Nikki Mehr