Rising Stars: Meet Kimberly Ochsenbein of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Ochsenbein.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
February 2020, I was a stay at home mom to my daughter, Gracie. I wanted a way to work from home, to be able to stay with her. It was about 9 o’clock at night and I blew a candle out in my kitchen. In that moment, I thought, I could make these. That same night, I googled, read, taught myself everything there was to know about candle making. The next day, I ordered my first supplies and the journey was off. I knew I had to stand out in a way to make my business and candles sell. That’s when the Iced Coffee Candle was designed. So much research and hands on experience went into mixing different waxes to get the right consistency for ‘ice cubes’, the cheeseburger candle and many more. I worked day and night to get everything perfect and realistic. Then, just a few short months later, I started posting on TikTok to be able to use the editing tools. Little did I know that my videos would go viral with millions of views almost instantly. Hundreds of ‘Pink Drink’, Cheesecake pillar candles and many more sold every hour and were a huge hit with the TikTok community . I grew my following so incredibly fast, and started getting thousands of orders. Akron Lights has since sold to every state in the United States, with other countries begging for international sales. There has been some other chandlers trying to recreate the Iced Coffee candle but Akron Lights Candle Co is its original home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a bumpy ride since 2020. From teaching myself how to make candles and the chemistry and science behind it, to losing my dad and biggest supporter. It’s been rough at times, but we always make it back.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Akron Lights Candle Co. is not your typical candle shop. These candles do not look like your regular jarred candles. They resemble Iced Coffee, cheeseburgers and fries, Starbucks drinks, cheesecakes, pancakes, banana splits, and so much more. Akron Lights is known for the ‘viral candles’ and the Home of the Iced Coffee candle.

Any big plans?
Since my dad died, I’ve put some things with the business on hold. Still processing orders and subscription boxes but not advertising or posting religiously like I was. I would like that to change in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AkronLightsCandleCo.com
• Instagram: akronlightscandlecollc
• Facebook: Akron Lights Candle Co. LLC
• Other: TikTok- akronlightscandleco