Meet Athena Chriest | Small Candle Business Owner

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

Hi Athena, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My fascination with the spiritual and metaphysical world started during my childhood. As I grew up, I developed a keen interest in crystal healing, aromatherapy, and herbalism. The turning point came when I decided to make personalized gifts for my friends and family instead of buying them. I crafted natural candles and adorned them with Clear Quartz crystals, which I discovered while crystal hunting in the serene Snoqualmie Valley. I even added some delicate spring flowers to complement the candles. That experience ignited a continuous flow of ideas for healing candle combinations using my love for all three of my passions. My loved ones loved them so much that they urged me to create more, and that’s when I had an epiphany.

It dawned on me that I could make a meaningful impact on many people’s healing journeys, even if it’s just by offering them a daily reminder that they are loved, strong, and deserving of relaxation. I truly believe that healing isn’t always a straightforward path, but having a daily reminder of one’s goals can bring clarity and align the mind and body towards achieving those goals. At the age of 18, I decided to take a leap and open my business, Devine Flame, to embark on a journey of healing.

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?
Devine Flame is my passion project, where I create truly special self-care products. Our range includes intention-infused goodies like coconut wax crystal candles, bath & body products, exquisite crystals, and captivating apothecary items.

Infusing positive energy and intention from the start is essential to me. Each handcrafted product carries a piece of my heart and soul, making them truly magical and unique.

When customers experience Devine Flame, I want them to feel more than just a physical item—it’s a vessel of positive energy and care. Our products serve as powerful reminders of self-love and nurturing moments, infusing every space with positive vibes.

My fascination with the spiritual world drove me to understand the impact of intention and positive energy on our lives. Creating candles as gifts for loved ones, I saw how the emotions and intentions I poured into them were cherished. This inspired me to share this magical experience with others through Devine Flame.

I encourage everyone to embrace the magic within themselves. Our products are designed as tools for self-discovery and nurturing. Interacting with our candles, bath & body products, crystals, and apothecary items, I hope people feel the power of intention and the love infused into each creation.

As a young woman business owner, I’ve encountered a path filled with challenges, both within myself and from others. Doubts have echoed in my mind due to comments like “How’s your little candle hobby” or “”Wow, I can’t believe that you are actually doing so good!” These external remarks compounded the prevailing stigma surrounding small businesses, particularly those starting on platforms like Etsy, making me question my capabilities and the worth of my venture.

However, amidst these uncertainties, I’ve come to realize a valuable lesson—that the size of a business does not determine its potential or the passion of its owner. To move forward, I’ve embraced acknowledging my fears and insecurities while also recognizing my determination and commitment to my craft.

Overcoming self-doubt has been an essential step in facing external doubts. As a business owner, I’ve learned to believe in the magic of my creations and the positive impact they can have on others. Success, I’ve realized, isn’t solely about external validation but about staying true to my vision and purpose.

To find strength in this journey, I draw inspiration from countless small business owners who’ve defied odds and achieved greatness. Their stories of resilience and determination motivate me to keep pushing forward. Surrounding myself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals has been instrumental in understanding and navigating the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

While self-doubt and outside skepticism may persist, I’ve come to view them as opportunities for growth. Each challenge becomes a chance to reaffirm my passion, refine my strategies, and prove to myself that I am capable of creating something extraordinary.

To all aspiring entrepreneurs and fellow small business owners, I want you to know that it’s okay to grapple with doubt; it’s a natural part of the journey. Embrace your fears, acknowledge your worth, and let your passion guide you forward. Believe in the magic you create, and let that belief propel you towards success, one step at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
NA– I live in WA

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to extend a special shoutout to my incredible family and friends for being my rock throughout my business venture. Their unwavering support has been the driving force behind my success, and I couldn’t have reached this point without them. Their belief in me, encouragement, and love have been instrumental in shaping my journey. I am deeply grateful for their presence in my life, and I cherish the moments we’ve shared on this path together. To my amazing family and friends, thank you for being my pillars of strength, and I’m excited to continue this journey with you by my side.

Website: www.devineflame.com

Instagram: @thedevineflame

Linkedin: athena chriest

Facebook: @thedevineflamecandleco