Today we’d like to introduce you to Radek Dockal.
Hi Radek, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure! ScentWick Candles started as a passion project in 2020 during a time when I was searching for cleaner, healthier ways to scent my home. I’ve always loved candles, but I started to notice that many store-bought candles were low quality, which led me to do my own research about different candle and wax types. That’s when I discovered soy candles and their benefits. So I started experimenting with soy wax and fragrance blends in my kitchen, and before I knew it, I was hooked.
What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something bigger. I began selling at local markets in the Toledo area, and the response from the community was incredible. People appreciated the quality, the clean burn, and the unique fragrances I was curating. From there, I built an online store and over time expanded into wax melts, room sprays, and reed diffusers, and developed several signature collections like our Farmhouse Collection and our more elevated Copper & Gold line.
Along the way, I’ve poured (literally and figuratively!) so much love and care into this business. Every label design, scent combination, and product launch reflects a little piece of my story. And now, being able to give back — especially through our fundraising efforts for causes like The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — makes this journey even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road — but that’s part of the story I’m proud of.
Like many small business owners, I started ScentWick with no roadmap. I had to learn everything from scratch — from sourcing materials and making candles that were consistent and high-quality, to figuring out branding, social media, and e-commerce. There were plenty of failed batches, late nights, and moments of “what am I even doing?”
One of the hardest parts was balancing it all while still working my regular job and attending college full-time. There were slow seasons where I doubted myself, events where I barely sold anything, and product launches that didn’t go as planned. But each setback taught me something valuable and pushed me to grow — both personally and professionally.
Now, looking back, I realize how much I’ve learned through those tough moments. They shaped the way I run my business today — with more intention, resilience, and heart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ScentWick Candles?
ScentWick Candles is a small-batch, handmade home fragrance brand based in Toledo, Ohio. ScentWick Candles originally started as a candle company, but over the years, we’ve expanded beyond just candles. We launched wax melts, room sprays, and our newest addition – reed diffusers. That way, everyone can find their favorite way to add fragrance to their home, even if they don’t burn candles.
What really makes ScentWick stand out is the care we put into every detail — from the quality of our ingredients to the clean, modern aesthetic of our packaging. Our customers love that our scents are unique, long-lasting, and thoughtfully blended to create a cozy and elevated atmosphere. Beyond our core collections, we also offer custom candles for special occasions, branded candles for businesses, and wholesale options for retailers looking to add something special to their shelves.
One thing I’m incredibly proud of is how community-driven our brand has become. Whether it’s through pop-up markets, custom collaborations, or fundraising initiatives like our 10-week campaign with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, ScentWick has grown into more than just a product — it’s become a way to connect, support, and give back.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about our city is the strong sense of community. There’s a real appreciation for small businesses here — people genuinely want to support local, and that’s been such a huge part of ScentWick’s growth. Whether it’s through pop-up markets, farmers’ markets, or just word-of-mouth, I’ve felt so encouraged by the way the community shows up for makers.
If I had to pick something I like least, I’d say it’s the limited visibility for small brands trying to break into a bigger market. Sometimes it feels like you have to work twice as hard to get your name out there — especially when competing with big-box stores or national brands. But honestly, that challenge has also pushed me to get more creative and intentional with how I grow and connect with customers. That is why in 2025, our biggest focus is expanding our wholesale clients.
Pricing:
- Wax Melts stating at $5
- Candles ranging from $12 to $25
- Room Sprays $16
- Reed Diffusers $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scentwickcandles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scent.wick.candles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScentWickCandles
- Other: https://justcureittoledo.com
