Business Profile: Heart Mountain Candle Company
She has always loved the warmth and ambiance that candles bring to everyday life. But somewhere along the line, she realized that her migraines happened when she was burning candles in her home. They were a trigger for her debilitating migraines.
Once she identified the issue, she tried unscented candles, but they still affected her. Rather than give up on her love of candles, she got curious.
Research Begins: Essential Oils, Waxes, and Wicks
Lauren’s research became a second job. From January 2023 to September 2024, she immersed herself in research and was shocked by what she found.
Many manufacturers include toxic chemicals like formaldehyde in candles and hide them under different names in the ingredient list. Additionally, many wicks contain zinc or lead cores. While lead cores have been banned and zinc is generally considered safe, using 100% cotton candle wicks is the safest option.
The scent of the candles is also something to consider. As Lauren did her research, she looked into essential oils rather than fragrances. But she learned that some essential oils can become toxic to breathe when heated to a high temperature. In addition, many candles contain paraffin, a sister chemical to gasoline. So, it’s like burning a gasoline byproduct in your home. The fumes and potential health risks are unreal. People often don’t know enough of the science behind it all and blindly trust the innocent candle on the shelf.
Lauren could only think about how toxic and destructive these products were for consumers, and decided to create healthy candles that could be enjoyed without the concerns.
Product Formulation and Testing
Lauren learned there were so many different factors and facets to candle making. Initially, she thought, “Okay, people pour the wax, there’s a wick in there, and you light it on fire. No big deal.” However, it took her about a year of testing different waxes, wicks, and oil fragrances in a multitude of combinations to find out what worked best. It was a process of trying, failing, and getting closer every time.
Doing this became a mission, and conquering this mountain was firmly on her bucket list. Eventually, she settled on using pesticide-free soy wax, organic cotton wicks, and clean fragrance oils meant for high heat. She loves that she has a product she can now burn that does not cause any health issues.
It became clear she couldn’t just sit on such a fantastic product, and she decided it was time to share it with the world.
Open for Business
Lauren started by selling locally at craft fairs and through local businesses, and has sold over 4,000 candles! Due to the demand, in May 2025, Lauren launched her Heart Mountain online Etsy shop. She has a 100% customer satisfaction rating both in person and online.
Her customers have shared that they extend the life of the candles by not even needing to light them. They can remove the lid and let the candle sit in a bathroom or bedroom to enjoy the amazing scent. Recently, Lauren and her husband, Gary, were out to enjoy food at a local place on a Friday night. While they were there, two separate community members approached her about the candles. They wanted to know where and when they could buy more.
Lauren values customer service and getting real-time feedback from her customers. She also adores the sales aspect of the business and providing a product people genuinely love.
Online Store Hosts a Warning Label for Language and Sarcasm
Many people buy her candles because of the illustrious smells; however, some buy them for the creative and sometimes snarky/sweary names. These candles can be ordered in a variety of scents. She has this warning at the top of her Etsy online store page.
“If you get easily offended, you may want to turn back now. While I have zero intention of hurting anyone’s feelings, nor offending them, some of these labels contain curse words and are…well, inappropriate in taste. So, if dry sarcasm and laughter are not up your alley, you may want to go down another alley. This world is too serious these days, and we all need a bit of humor…in all types of forms. Thanks for visiting!!”
She’s created some unique scents and continually experiments when given suggestions. Morning Ritual has a coffee aroma while her Western candle smells like gunsmoke. She also has candle scents named Oakmoss Amber, Island Retreat, Citrus Sunrise, Frasier Fir, Lavender, Cranberry Prosecco, and Cran Apple Marmalade.
What’s Lauren up to Next?
Recently, Lauren had neck surgery and has been spending significant time recovering. But even in recovery, she is taking continuous learning courses! She picked up an SEO course to help with her business optimization. For her, she mentioned that knowledge is power, and she can’t get enough. She is adding new candles and other clever products regularly.
With Heart Mountain Candle Company, you can support a locally owned, Cody, WY business while buying a high-quality product. This is your chance to try something new!
You can find her candles online in her Etsy Shop. Lauren is also seeking local business partnerships to carry the product line. Those who share her passion for clean home products would be a perfect fit! You’ll want to keep your eye on this rising entrepreneur.
Article by Lindsay Shaw
Owner of Blue Spruce Ink
Writing Partner of the Cody Journal
Lindsay Shaw is a fifth-generation Wyomingite who loves connecting with her community! She's a marketing maven who offers a range of services for marketing, branding, writing, and design projects. An inspired and well-designed story, implemented with strategy, can change everything! Let's craft solution-oriented outcomes for your next project or long-term goal together.