It all started with the loss of my job + a candle!

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was let go from my job causing me to lose all sources of my income. As a single mom, and the sole provider of my 2 children, instead of panicking I pivoted asking myself “What is my passion and how can I support my children?” I’ve always had the dream of one day transforming my candle making hobby into a candle making business but given my situation I NEVER would have thought about being a self-employed start up, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. This was now my sole focus + greatest opportunity, I had no idea where it was going to go but it was my only option so I risked my entire savings and dove in headfirst with both feet + fingers crossed. Despite the initial fear + uncertainty, I now recognize this as an opportunity to pursue a path aligned with my true calling. As scary as this was at the time, my darkest hour ultimately unfolded into the beginning of a beautiful journey.

I have been pouring + creating for over 30 years. Atlanta 1992, my sister and I formed a company called Sisters Candles, just for fun and the love of candles, who knew where it would go?! Always using 100% all-natural soy wax and all of the oils used to scent them are super clean. We use a fragrance + essential oil blend that are not only the safest + highest quality but also undergo rigorous testing, ensuring peace of mind as you burn them in your home, office and in the environment around your pets + littles. Free from toxins, carcinogens and harmful chemicals, phthalates, gluten, alcohol, dyes, and irritants, they are also non-GMO, cruelty-free, and vegan, reflecting on my commitment to provide nothing but the best. All Bode+Ev candles are hand poured in small batches with lots of love, a cotton braided wick and all of our 10oz are housed in 100% recycled glass containers. With just a few simple tweaks from way back when, a new name and an updated look, Bode+ Ev was born. My candle making hobby, turned candle making business, has brought on a whole new meaning and a whole new life for me + my family.

As for the name, BODE+EV, it holds deep significance for me as it’s derived from the names of my two beloved children, Boden and Eviana, symbolized by the birds in our logo. Birds not only represent my children but also embody powerful symbols of peace, transformation, freedom, and power. They inspire me to persist in reaching my goals and dreams, despite any obstacles I may encounter along the way.

For years, I have been chasing my dreams, and now, I feel like I’m truly living them, and it all began with a hobby, the loss of my job, a huge risk + a candle. I hope you love burning my them as much as I love creating them.

- Tracey