People often tell me, “I don’t know how you do it all.” And the truth is, I don’t. Not really. Running a small business while raising a little one isn’t about having it all together. It’s about constantly juggling, dropping a few balls, and deciding which ones are worth picking back up.
When I started Slow Burn, it was born out of mindfulness. Making candles was a way to steady myself and to find quiet. Now, years later, the brand has grown into something much bigger: markets, workshops, and wholesale accounts. At the same time, my son Owyn has grown right alongside it. Some days it feels seamless. Other days it feels like I’m stretched impossibly thin.
The Beauty
The moments that make me grateful, the reason I built this life, aren’t always found inside the workshop. They’re the slow weekday afternoons when I can step away, be present with Owyn, and play outside. They’re the summer months when I intentionally keep my schedule light so I can invest fully in him with bike rides, splash pads, and long days in the sun.
We’ve also created rituals that anchor our family, like lighting a candle before every meal. It’s our way of saying: as this flame burns, we’re here together. Phones away, TV off. Just family, conversation, and plenty of silliness. When we blow it out, dinner is over and we can “get down” from the table. It’s simple, but it’s become one of my favorite daily practices.
I also love when Owyn comes to markets with me. His eyes light up when he spots me across the booth, and he takes such pride in helping pack up orders. In the workshop, he’ll scrape wax from the tables and floors, asking about each tool and what it’s used for. He’s curious, joyful, and honestly, the cutest part of Slow Burn. Seeing him experience this world reminds me why I chose this path.
And then there’s the freedom. My hours are flexible, my workshop is at home, and I get to decide how busy I want to be. If I need more family time, I don’t sign up for extra markets or workshops. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine to shape.
The Overwhelm
Of course, there’s the other side: the overwhelm.
There are days when I feel like I’ll never catch up. Orders need to be poured, emails need to be answered, markets need preparation, parenting responsibilities continue, and the house still needs attention. The weight of all the roles can feel heavy.
The hardest days are when Owyn is sick. I’m grateful for a supportive family and a husband who steps in when needed, but it never feels good to be pulled away from him.
During the holiday season, when production is at its peak, rest and nutrition often take the backseat. Walks, yoga, and sauna sessions, all of my favorite self-care practices, get squeezed out. I’ve learned to give myself grace in those months, and I make sure that when I’m pouring candles, I let it double as self-care. I’ll put on a podcast or audiobook that feeds me, so at least one part of me is still being nurtured.
And yes, there have been sacrifices. Friendships and my social life don’t get as much space as they used to. If I have downtime, I almost always choose to spend it with Brandon, Owyn, or my parents and siblings who live nearby. I hope my friends see this chapter as a success worth cheering on, even if we can’t share as much time together as before.
At the heart of it, I think what all moms in business need to hear is that it’s really frickin’ hard. And we’re still doing a damn good job. That external validation matters. It fuels us to keep going.
Perspective & Practice
One thing I’m proud of is that I don’t let myself feel like I’m failing. I’ve worked really hard on mindset, and I know that even the worst-case scenarios in my business are still better than the best day working in a job that didn’t value me. Perspective is everything, and I remind myself often that this is the life I chose.
Sometimes I find myself helping Owyn pause and reset by teaching him to take deep breaths for his nervous system. And every time I do, I realize I’m doing it for myself too. He’s learning regulation, and I’m practicing it right alongside him.
What I Hope He Remembers
When I imagine Owyn looking back on this time, I hope he remembers that his mom was a badass business owner who also made space for him. That even though I was busy, he never doubted how much quality time we shared. I hope he remembers the joy of growing up at markets, meeting new people, and watching me build something meaningful from the ground up.
Life moves fast, but this is why I chose to slow burn: to create moments worth savoring, both in my business and with my family.