Editors Note: This article was originally published in the March 6, 2024 issue of the Chronicle Progress. Some information may be outdated.
The path to success is different for everyone. Sometimes it takes a single step.
And sometimes all it takes is a single spark.
Whitnee Lewis, proprietress of Spark and Stone Co., knows that it’s taken both.
Launched in 2021, Lewis’ business started as selling scented candles. Since then, she’s expanded both in space and product line.
She started Spark and Stone Co. as a way to make money on the side, as well as find purpose. Already a full-time mother, she needed an outlet. Candles, a longtime love of hers, seemed the perfect fit, especially during the cold months of winter.
“I wanted something meaningful to do. All my kids were in school, I was home, and wanted something with more purpose and make a little side money,” Lewis said. “And I didn’t know what that was going to be.”
She found the idea of making candles after seeing an Instagram post.
“I saw this candle, and they had this tumbled piece of stone in there, and I just though “oh my gosh, I can do this,’” Lewis said. So she took the idea and ran, learning to make candles. She obtained the stones from her parents’ rock shop in Southern Utah. Since then, she’s moved from her business to a full-blown workspace.
“It’s gone from a hobby to I need to figure out where I can build a warehouse,” Lewis said of her business growth. “We’re branching out. I’m starting a sales ambassador program. I have a wholesaler page.”
Lewis’ candles and their corresponding scents have since branched into companion products, like room sprays, car diffusers and reed diffusers. Scents like Courage, Harmony, and Wisdom all encourage their corresponding values or intentions.
The candles themselves are also made out of sustainable soy wax, and include oils lacking in parabens and other harmful chemicals. All of her products are clean and natural.
Intentions are the base of Lewis’ company, “Burn With Intent” being the business motto.
Each candle has a scent with accompanying beads of stone meant to exemplify its label. Wisdom, for example, has lapis lazuli beads. Lapis lazuli crystals are commonly believed to open one’s third eye, and help wearers find wisdom in their lives.
For Lewis, it’s different. She encourages her customers, whether they use and believe in crystals or not, to use her products to carve out time for themselves.
“As a busy mom, I never made time for myself. I was feeling overwhelmed and tired out,” she said. “Then I learned about the benefits of intentional living. When I started taking ten minutes a day to sit quiet and try to breathe and setting intentions for that day or week, it completely changed how I spent my time. It’s a huge mental health benefit.”
So, Lewis encourages those with a candle to find a moment for themselves, enjoy the luxurious scents, and set an intention for themselves— whether it’s a new beginning, to find creativity to finish a project, or just to unwind.
“Just relax and focus, find whatever it is you need,” Lewis said.
Lewis credits her success to the customer base in Millard County.
“Originally I didn’t expect a lot of people to buy my stuff,” she said. “Everyone here was so supportive and great. The community has shown me nothing but love and support here. I really think they helped my progress because it was word of mouth.”
Each year has been a year of lessons.
“It’s been slow and steady growth, and it’s just kind of blowing up, and it’s really, really exciting,” Lewis said.
To celebrate her success, Lewis will be holding an anniversary sale on March 16 at her shop located at 43 N 300 W in Delta. The corresponding ad contains the necessary information.
Customers can also join her Candle of the Month Club. Information can be found at her website sparkandstoneco. com. Candle making parties are also available—contact Lewis directly to schedule.
