Behind a Candle: Sole di Soia by Erika Degano
Behind a Candle: Sole di Soia by Erika Degano
Erika's story began three years ago from a passion. A need for refreshment and relaxation that evolved into something more after reading an article, almost by chance, on how to make DIY candles. From these small steps, a community of enthusiasts in this field was born, as well as a book full of helpful tips on how to make your own wax creations at home.
Here is Erika's story, her journey, her successes, and her uncertainties, which together have shaped the path she is walking now, full of dreams and hopes for the future🕯️
· How did your love of candles begin? (What made you say, "I'll try making them too"?)
I'd like to start by saying that I've always had a passion for candles, and lighting them at home is part of my daily routine, a moment of relaxation I dedicate to myself.
Around that time, I came across an article explaining how some candle components could be "toxic" during combustion. So I began researching the wonderful art of DIY candles and said to myself, "I want to try it too."
It was immediately clear to me that, to achieve good results, I needed to start with excellent materials. So I discovered your company, where I immediately encountered professionalism, helpfulness, and courtesy. ❤️
· What was the biggest challenge at the beginning? (Technique, time, costs, sales, trust in you... or something else?)
I won't deny that in the early days, I alternated between mistakes and successes, and, unfortunately, sometimes the wax was wasted. But I was so passionate that I never gave up. ✨
· Was there a moment when you thought about giving up? If so, what kept you going?
Yes, there was a moment when I thought about giving up, especially when the effort didn't seem to yield the desired results.
What kept me going were the people: the messages, the questions, the enthusiasm of those who were starting to make their own candles. I realized I wasn't just posting content, but building a community. And that gave me the strength to continue.
THE TURNING POINT
“My first small, big milestone was seeing my Facebook page grow. It wasn't just numbers, but interested, engaged, and curious people.
That growth gave me the courage to create a group dedicated to making artisanal candles: "Handmade Candles. Learn with Soy Sun." That's when I started to feel like I was building something concrete."
· Was there a moment when you realized it could become something serious? (a sale, a compliment, an event, a special order...)
When I reached a fairly satisfactory level, like many others, I started posting some work on social media, and this increased the interest of my followers, earning me many compliments ✨
· What was the first small milestone that made you feel proud?
My first small, big milestone was seeing my Facebook page grow. It wasn't just numbers, but people who were interested, engaged, and curious.
That growth gave me the courage to create a group dedicated to making artisanal candles: "Handmade Candles. Learn with Sole di Soia." That's when I began to feel like I was building something concrete ☀️
· If you could talk to the "you" of those early days, what would you say?
I'd tell her that before undertaking this wonderful art, you need to carefully study the characteristics of each wax and not leave anything to chance! This is what I always explain to those who ask me where to start 🎨
ADVICE FOR THOSE AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR JOURNEY
“I would choose a simple, ivory-colored soy wax candle. I would describe it as a silent yet present person. It's not the one that enters a room and immediately stands out, but the one that, when it lingers, truly warms the room. It's consistent, burns calmly, and isn't in a rush to finish. I would choose it because it's like me: it loves simplicity, but inside it brings light, patience, and passion.”
· Is there anything you would never compromise in your work today? (Quality, fragrance, performance, safety, etc.)
On the quality of materials 🌿
· What advice would you give to someone who wants to start making candles today?
Give yourself the time to learn and study the characteristics of the various waxes and temperatures before starting to practice. 🕯️
To help those who want to get started in this world, my friend Antonella and I have published a manual called Candle Pills, the ideal companion for those who want to begin this journey of wax, scents, colors, and calm. This booklet was created to be simple, clear, and inspiring, designed for those starting from scratch as well as for those who want to refine their technique. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0FHXP85QK
· What would you like your creations to convey, and what impressions would you like people to have when lighting them for the first time?
When I create a candle, I imagine that those who receive it understand the time and attention to detail that distinguishes a handcrafted product, unique and unrepeatable as such. 😊
· If you had to describe one of your candles as if it were a person or a story, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose a simple, ivory-colored soy wax candle.
I would describe her as a quiet yet present person. She's not the kind of person who walks into a room and immediately makes herself noticed, but the kind who, when she stays, truly warms the room. She's constant, burns calmly, and isn't in a rush to finish. I'd choose her because she's like me: she loves simplicity, but inside she brings light, patience, and passion 🔥
· Why did you choose the “Dolce Latte” fragrance as the product that best represents you?
I really wanted the "Dolce Latte" fragrance because it evokes home, the place where you find the warmth of family and comfort.
I recommend this fragrance because it's suitable for creating creations for any event and has notes that warm the heart ❤️
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