We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Coyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Scott and I had just gotten married and we wanted to start a family business that we could do on weekends, get away somewhere fun like northern Michigan. I loved burning candles but it was hard to find a candle that burned clean, didn’t tunnel and lasted. Scott started looking into soy and soon after, we purchased a few items to make our own. Our first scents were things like: Baked Bread, Caramel n’ Pecans, Baby Powder & Apple Pie & many more. We started out with mason jars and they’re still our signature look to this day.

What should our readers know about your business?

How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy?

When we first started our company in 2008, we were doing craft shows most weekends, traveling around our beautiful state. We knew right away that we had to do something to set ourselves apart from the competition, so we decided on our signature swirled look. The marbled ribbons of color made our products stand out and they smelled delicious too! Our sales were strong enough to start looking for a building to rent. So in August of 2008, we hired a few part time ladies and opened our first location, in downtown Midland. Scott & I were both still working full time, so we’d make products at home to restock the shelves of our new store.

Soon after, I decided to leave my job of seven years to run our company and see if I could grow it. One of the first things we knew we wanted to do was some sort of scholarship or fundraising program, to give back to the community who had supported us. We went with fundraising so more people could benefit from it and today we’ve given back $550,000 to not only the people in our own community, but others throughout the state. In our program, we give back 50% of funds raised and all products are handmade. We love our fundraising program and giving back, it’s one of the greatest rewards of being a small business owner.

We also offer private labeling (free on our labels), bulk pricing (weddings, showers, graduations, etc) and our wholesale program! More information for all, on our website.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I love plants so we’d go to Smith’s and pot our own! They have such a beautiful assortment of plants, flowers, succulents and a super cool building too! On our way out, we’d swing into Live Oak Coffeehouse and grab a vanilla latte (hi Renee!) and relax in their gorgeous, warm & inviting space. Then to downtown Midland where we can grab a cookie from Aviator Cookies and check out the 3 legged bridge, The Tridge.  Of course we’d stop into Coyer Candle Co. where I can show her all of our newest items & scents. Then I’d take her to Dow Gardens or the Canopy Walk and enjoy the pretty scenery!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’ve had such wonderful support from our community and would not be here without our loyal customers! Our staff is full of hard working, dedicated & creative people who work hard every day to make sure deadlines are met and the products are top quality. We also love our small business community, where we bounce ideas off each other, collaborate and promote each others products (that’s what keeps our communities unique!). Thank you to all who have believed in us since 2008!

Website: www.coyercandleco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coyercandleco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coyer-candle-co.

Facebook: CoyerCandleCo

Image Credits
Taryn Jackson – Production Manager & Company Photographer

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