We’ve been stalkers fans of pSoychedelic Candles for a little while now, we love all the 
scents, the funkiness and all the purple! So we’re super happy now to be interviewing the ever so cool Erica for the latest edition in our Behind The Wick series.
Tell us a little about yourself – what originally drew you to making candles and launching your own business?
My name is Erica and I currently live in Oregon, in the United States. I got the idea to make candles when I was 22 years old, in 2010. I had just finished my second summer-season job, and I had no idea what I really wanted to do next. One day, while watching some of my favorite YouTuber’s videos (anyone know and love the Shaytards?), Shay received a package from a viewer containing scented candles. The way he positively responded to them and freaked out over the scents sparked an idea in my head- why not make scented candles?
I immediately started researching candle making, taking notes, and making plans. It took a while to finally get everything started, but after I purchased my first shipment of supplies, I was able to turn theory into reality.
I had MUCH trial and error to begin with, and it’s funny to look back on my humble beginnings. It has just recently been two years since launching pSOYchedelic Candles in 2013. Even though I am still learning new things all the time, I am so proud of the progress I’ve made! I am really excited to see what the future holds!
Tell us about the process that goes into making your lovely candles? What wax/products do you use?
It is a pretty humble production, honestly! My “office” is just my home kitchen. I have a trusty PrestoPot to melt my wax in, complete with a pour spout for those larger orders, that just plugs into the wall and heats on its own.
All of my products are purchased from suppliers here in the United States. I use soy wax for my candles and tarts, and I don’t add any dye to the wax. Many of my fragrances are skin safe, which is stated in their descriptions on my website. I also use hemp-core wicks, as opposed to just cotton.
My absolute DREAM is to one day have a cute little studio office that I could have as a “creative space” to go and just work on candles! Maybe in another few years! Who knows?
What’s your inspiration for coming up with new scents?
Most of the time, I stick with the scents that my supplier creates, because they’re just so darn good! However, there have been a few special requests, and personal experiments, that led to creating a few permanent “pSOYchedelic Candles original” scents. I’m sure there will be more in the future.
My favorite one that I’ve come up with is Choconut- Chocolate Fudge Cake mixed with Coconut! Smells just like an Almond Joy candy bar! I also love the Lavender Patchouli blend- so relaxing.
What is your favourite candle scent of all the candles you make?
Oh boy, that is a tough one! It changes all the time, but I feel like it depends on which season it is- I definitely have a few favorites every time the new seasonal fragrances launch. I couldn’t pick just one. I do enjoy the more musky fragrances, though, as opposed to the foodie or fruity.
Are there any scent combinations you’ve tried that have turned into a total disaster? What about happy accidents?
I thankfully haven’t had a fragrance disaster, yet! Everything so far has been lovely additions to the fragrance lineup. One that I didn’t think of, though, was one my friend personally requested- April Fresh (like Downy fabric softener) and Rose. He said it made him think of his mom, which I thought was adorable.
Seasonal Scents from pSoychedelic Candles Left-Right: Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Thyme, Hot Apple Cider, Apple Spice, Autumn Pear, Harvest Gathering and Kettle Corn.
Are there any other candle brands that you like and buy from? (What are your favourite scents from those brands?)
I honestly was never THAT big of a candle fan- don’t get me wrong, I love scented candles as much as the next person – but there are some people who cannot live without a scented candle burning! (Who? Us?? 😉 ) That is totally okay, but it just doesn’t describe me. I’ve always been more of a fragrance oil-burning kind of person. If I ever did get candles, though, it was usually the ones at Bath and Body Works. They always have a great seasonal selection, which is what gets my attention!
What five items would you take to a desert island? (One has to be something you sell…)
First would have to be my boyfriend, Garrett… sorry babe, you’re stranded with me!
Next I think I would take a large bag of a variety of seeds to plant.
I have to take some source of fire, so let’s say a box of matches.
I would probably take a mirror, since you can’t find that in nature, and it has lots of uses.
For the fifth and final thing, I’d take one of my 8oz candles with me! Not only would it make my cave/shanty/lean-to feel more like home, ha ha, I would also have a nifty jar to use after the wax is all burned down!
Have you any new and exciting creations planned that you’d like to share with us?
I just recently updated the look of everything- I am now using brand new labels, and I changed the look of the website to coordinate with them! I am very pleased with how everything turned out.
As for what’s next, I have been planning on coming out with car air fresheners, as well as some citronella candles in time for next Summer. I am also looking into having odor-eliminating candles. All in good time, my pretties! Stay tuned! 🙂
Be sure to check out pSoychedelic Candles on Facebook, HERE and on Instagram, HERE and if you’re a candle /wax product creative genius and would like to be featured in our Behind The Wick series just send us an email at 2girls@vanillaandlime.com
