From a Scroll on TikTok to Melt & Glow: How My Candle Journey Began

From a Scroll on TikTok to Melt & Glow: How My Candle Journey Began

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be running a candle business filled with iced coffees, dessert-inspired designs and colourful creations, I probably would have laughed. But here we are — and Melt & Glow was born from a moment that completely changed my creative path.

I’ve always loved creating things with my hands. At the time, I was teaching myself pottery in my bedroom, experimenting, learning, and getting my hands messy just for the joy of it. One night, while scrolling on TikTok and watching pottery techniques on how to make a tall pot, I came across a video that stopped me in my tracks. A girl had made a candle that looked like a cake.

Something ignited instantly.

I felt this overwhelming urge to create my own candle — not just any candle, but something fun, something different. The very next day, I went to three different shops collecting whatever materials I could find and made my first ever candle: an iced coffee candle. I still have the video of it to this day.

I’ll be honest — I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know about pouring temperatures, scent throw, or any of the technical things that matter so much now. I just winged it. But I felt alive. Creating something magical lit a fire in me that I hadn’t felt in a long time. That was the moment I said to myself, “This could be a thing.”

And just like that, Melt & Glow began.

A Love for Creating (In All Forms)

At the time, I was working in childcare, and outside of work I was baking specialty cakes for events. Looking back, it all makes sense — I’ve always been drawn to creating things that bring people joy. Candles became the perfect blend of everything I loved: creativity, detail, scent, and visual storytelling.

Why Melt & Glow Is All About Fun (With a Touch of Luxury)

I want people to feel fun when they see or light a Melt & Glow candle. Let’s be real — everyone’s houses are very beige these days. I was a beige girl too. But once I started adding colour back into my life, something shifted. I felt excited again. Inspired again.

Melt & Glow is about bringing character back into homes. Candles don’t have to be boring — they can be playful, colourful, nostalgic, and still feel luxurious. Each candle is designed to make you smile, spark conversation, and feel like a little treat for yourself.

Quality Comes First — Always

Quality is everything to me. I’m a perfectionist, and I won’t pretend otherwise. The number of candles I give to my mum because they “don’t make the cut” is honestly crazy. If it’s not right, it doesn’t leave my studio.

It’s also extremely important to me that my candles are non-toxic. I share my home with four indoor cats and two dogs, so creating candles that are safe, clean-burning, and thoughtfully made isn’t optional — it’s essential.

A Milestone I’ll Never Forget

One of my proudest moments was selling at my very first market. When I registered Melt & Glow, my initial goal was simply to sell at a market — but mentally, that was huge for me. I have social anxiety, and the idea of putting myself out there was terrifying.

Five weeks later, I booked Gilles at the Grounds.

Not only did I show up — I completely sold out. I sold 96 candles that day. I still get emotional thinking about it. That moment confirmed that Melt & Glow was more than just an idea. It was real.

This Is Just the Beginning

Melt & Glow started from a spark — a scroll on TikTok, a creative urge, and a lot of trial and error. It’s grown into something that fills my heart and my hands every single day. If you’ve supported my journey, purchased a candle, shared my work, or are just discovering Melt & Glow now — thank you.

This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to bring more colour, fun, and glow into your homes.

With love,

Loretta