Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Siler.
Hi Nathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wicksy began in 2021 as a small idea while I was finishing my degree at the University of Cincinnati. I have always been fascinated by the way scent connects to memory and how a single fragrance can instantly take you back to a specific place or moment in time. I started creating candles in my kitchen as a creative outlet while studying digital media and marketing, never expecting it to grow into a business.
Over time, that small idea turned into a full Ohio-made candle and fragrance brand focused on nostalgia, comfort, and creativity. Every product tells a story through scent, designed to remind people of their favorite memories. Each candle includes a custom Spotify playlist that matches the mood of the fragrance and acts as a built-in burn timer, along with a Candle to Garden kit that lets customers repurpose the jar into a wildflower planter once the candle is finished.
Wicksy now has a storefront inside The Morrow Arts Center in Morrow, Ohio, a historic schoolhouse that has become home to dozens of local artists and small businesses. I handle everything from production and design to marketing and the in-store experience. It has been a challenging and rewarding journey, but seeing people connect with the scents and stories behind each product makes every step worth it. Wicksy has become more than a candle company. It is a creative small business that brings people together through scent, storytelling, and a shared sense of community in the Cincinnati area.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I think that is part of what makes building a small business so meaningful. Wicksy started as a one-person operation, and it still is. I handle everything myself, from developing new fragrances and designing labels to producing inventory, managing the store, and running all of the marketing. Learning how to balance creativity with the realities of business has been one of the biggest challenges.
There were moments early on when I questioned if I could keep it going. Supplies were expensive, shipping costs were unpredictable, and I was trying to grow Wicksy while finishing my degree. There were nights I stayed up labeling candles until two in the morning before class the next day. But those experiences forced me to learn how to be resourceful, consistent, and patient.
One of the hardest paths has been competing with large national brands while still keep prices fair and products high quality. It can feel impossible at times for a small Cincinnati business to stand out next to companies like Bath and Body Works or Yankee Candle. But every time a customer chooses Wicksy, it reminds me why I started this. People wanted something real, something made locally, and something that feels personal. That belief keeps me moving forward no matter how many challenges come my way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Wicksy is a Cincinnati-area candle and fragrance company that focuses on creating nostalgic, memory-inspired scents for both home and body. Every product is hand-poured in small batches inside our storefront at The Morrow Arts Center in Morrow, Ohio. What makes Wicksy unique is that we design every fragrance to tell a story and create an experience that connects scent, sound, and memory.
Each candle comes with a custom Spotify playlist that matches the mood of the scent and doubles as a built-in burn timer to prevent overuse. Every candle also includes a Candle to Garden kit, which lets customers repurpose their empty jar into a wildflower planter. These details make Wicksy more than just a product; they turn it into a full sensory experience.
We specialize in candles, wax melts, room sprays, lotions, and car fresheners, offering more than sixty fragrance options that range from cozy and nostalgic to fresh and adventurous. Our customers love that everything is toxin-free, cruelty-free, and made locally by hand.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of how Wicksy has stayed authentic and community-driven. We have built a loyal following through honest storytelling, high-quality craftsmanship, and partnerships that give back to local causes like the Little Miami Choir. For me, Wicksy represents creativity, sustainability, and connection; a reminder that scent can tell a story, bring people together, and make everyday moments feel a little more special.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Wicksy has been a one-person business since the beginning, but I definitely haven’t done it alone. I’ve had an incredible community of people who have supported and encouraged me every step of the way.
My family has always been my foundation. They were the ones who believed in me when I was still pouring candles at the kitchen table, and they never stopped cheering me on through every challenge and success. My close friends and longtime customers have also played a huge role. Their feedback, ideas, and encouragement have shaped Wicksy into what it is today. Some of my earliest customers still come by to this day, and that means everything to me.
The Morrow Arts Center community has also been a major source of inspiration and growth. Being surrounded by other small business owners, artists, and creatives who are all working hard to build somethig of their own creates an energy that keeps you going. Everyone there genuinely wants to see each other succeed.
I’m also grateful for the local support from the Morrow and Cincinnati communities, who continue to show up for small businesses like mine. Every person who chooses to shop local, visit the store, or share Wicksy with their freinds has helped this brand grow. Without that community support, Wicksy wouldn’t be where it is today.
Pricing:
- Candles: $20
- Wax Melts & Car Fresheners: $6
- Lotions & Body Oils: $8
- Diffuser Oils: $16
- Laundry Detergent: $18
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopwicksy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopwicksy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopwicksy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wicksy-morrow
