We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Goldberg of SweetHollow Candles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
If I’d known how much math, science, and testing was involved in candle creation, I might have thought twice before starting! To produce a safe-burning & long-lasting candle, you really need to test each & every scent, wax & vessel combo to get the right wick size. This has become so important to me: Who wants a candle that doesn’t burn all the way to the edges, or one that creates a fire hazard? It’s a lot of work, but so gratifying.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been both artsy and entrepreneurial. I love to experiment and create. And when people are buying what I’m selling, I know my art is resonating. It definitely hasn’t been easy. I have a day job (which I LOVE), which means I have to be very organized with my evenings & weekends in order to be productive with my candle business. I’m really proud of all the testing and perfecting that goes into each candle. It’s so gratifying when people order again & again, saying these are the best candles they’ve ever had. I think one thing that sets my candles apart is that they’re designed with YOU in mind. I want them to fit into any aesthetic. They don’t need to scream “Jamie’s taste”… They should work for everyone! The minimalist design and clean scents really lend themselves to gifting.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First up: A shopping trip at Heart Boutique! One of my favorite shops; they’re constantly curating beautiful high-quality clothes & accessories you can’t find anywhere else. Then lunch at Lovi’s: A beautiful East-Coast-style sit-down deli/diner with a huge menu of fresh & delicious food. It may sound cliche, but I love a drive on Mulholland—then Topanga Canyon, to the beach—for the views. For dinner, either Makoto Sushi (Encino) or Red Ginger Thai & Sushi (Woodland Hills): family-owned restaurants with fresher-than-fresh sushi! Or if I’m feeling spendy, Barton G’s: It’s like the Cirque du Soleil of restaurants, and the food is incredible!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A big shoutout goes to Maiden Community, a local group that supports small businesses in the valley and brings together like-minded people. The group has been so supportive of my journey and has given me the ability to connect with so many customers. I also need to recognize my husband, Mike, who packs & ships all the candles, and does the dishes when I’ve got candles to make.

Website: sweethollowcandles.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sweethollowcandles

Facebook: facebook.com/sweethollowcandles

Other: amazon.com/sweethollow

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.