Welcome to Deep Sea Day Dreams! My name is Emily and I am so excited to share the story behind this passion project of mine.
What started as a simple desire to make a living doing something I love–creating–has evolved into an expanding candle business that I can't even begin to imagine my life without.
In this post I’ll take you on a journey through the inspiration, values, and mission that shape Deep Sea Day Dreams.
From my commitment to sustainability and quality to the creativity infused in every scent to the community that I cherish, you'll get an insider peak at what makes Deep Sea Day Dreams candles so special.
THE BEGINNING
I've always been a creator, finding joy in bringing new ideas to life.
In 2014 I discovered candle making and immediately fell in love. From mixing scents and dyes to the creative rush of coming up with names, I loved every bit of it.
I opened my etsy shop in 2015 and deep sea day dreams was born.
For the first 5 years making candles was a fun hobby but I wasn't that serious about my shop. It just wasn't a huge part of who I was.
Then COVID lockdown happened and I guess you could say candles became my COVID project. (We all had one right?) I put a LOT of work into rebranding and increasing the quality of my products in 2020 and over the next 2 years my little candle business grew beyond my dreams.
In Columbia, MO Deep Sea Day Dreams allowed me to meet so many fellow business owners who are now good friends. I grew so much in those years both personally and within my community.
Now based in Lansing, MI I dream of continuing to build that community and inspire others to follow their dreams.
VALUES
Building this business from the ground up taught me a lot about what I truly value, both personally and professionally.
One of the most important values for me is sustainability. It's so important to minimize waste and reduce our impact on the planet and I wanted Deep Sea Day Dreams to reflect that commitment.
SUSTAINABILITY
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While plastic was part of my original packaging, it has since been eliminated. I now choose natural cork lids, black glass and ceramic jars, cotton and paper wicks, and all packaging is recyclable and/or recycled material.
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I also moved from a soy/paraffin blend to 100% soy wax. Soy wax is not only a renewable resource (paraffin is a crude oil byproduct) but it also burns cleaner, producing less soot in your home.
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Lastly, in Lansing, MI, I offer jar returns for a discount on future candles! If you are local I will take returned jars and give them new life either as another candle or a completely new project! It’s one more small way to encourage recycling and reduce waste.
With a sustainable start down, quality is the next most important value as I strive to provide the best product on the market.
QUALITY
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I am dedicated to providing high-quality, long-lasting products that you can rely on. To achieve this, I've spent countless hours testing different wicks, waxes, and jars to perfect each candle.
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A strong scent throw is essential. I want each candle to fill your space with its unique aroma, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Customer satisfaction is always top of mind, and I strive to exceed your expectations with every order.
And at the heart of everything I do in (and outside of) Deep Sea Day Dreams, creativity.
CREATIVITY
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The beauty and mystery of the sea inspire all my base candle scents and most of my seasonal scents. I strive to capture that essence in each scent, blending unique combinations that evoke the tranquil and captivating nature of the ocean.
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Coming up with creative names and themes for my candles is one of my favorite parts of the process. It’s a way to bring a little bit of aquatic ambiance into your home, no matter where you are. Some of my popular scents include Nessie, Sydney, and Amber Driftwood, each designed to transport you to a serene coastal escape.
Finally, community is a cornerstone of Deep Sea Day Dreams. It's more than just a business; it's a network of connections and friendships.
COMMUNITY
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I always aim to build strong relationships with every customer. Meeting you in person at craft fairs or just out and about at the local Meijer is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
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Through engaging content, excellent customer service, and memorable interactions, Deep Sea Day Dreams strives to be a supportive and welcoming environment. I cherish the community we’ve built and am excited to continue growing it here in Lansing, MI.
These core values—sustainability, quality, creativity, and community—are the foundation of Deep Sea Day Dreams.
They guide every decision I make and ensure that each candle not only brings a little joy into your home but also reflects my commitment to these principles.
EVOLUTION AND MISSION
When I first started Deep Sea Day Dreams, it was just a small passion project—a way to channel my love for creating into something tangible.
In those early days, I was focused on making candles for fun and sharing them with a small audience on Etsy. But as time went on, I began to realize that this little hobby of mine had the potential to be so much more.
Now, as I navigate the highs and lows of running a small business from Lansing, MI, my inspiration has evolved. While I still love making candles, my mission has expanded.
Today, Deep Sea Day Dreams is not just a product-based business; it's a platform for building community and sharing knowledge. I am passionate about motivating and inspiring future small business owners and helping them find joy in doing what they love.
FUTURE GOALS
So what can you expect moving forward? Aside from maintaining my values—sustainability, quality, creativity, and connection—and continuing my mission to build connections through creative expression, here are a few more things you can expect in the near future:
EXPANDING PRODUCT LINES
Thats right. Deep Sea Day Dreams will soon be more than just candles! I am always experimenting with new products from candle accessories to other fragrant products. (Im even testing some bath and body products!) I plan to keep surprising and delighting you all with fresh, innovative products.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Building a strong, supportive community has been a core value of Deep Sea Day Dreams for years now. I plan to host more local events in Lansing, MI, and participate in craft fairs to connect with you all in person. I also aim to create more engaging content online, from behind the scenes looks to virtual Q&A sessions.
ENHANCING SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Sustainability will continue to be a top priority. I'm exploring new ways to reduce waste, such as offering refill options for your candles and sourcing even more eco-friendly materials. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome as I strive to make a positive impact on the planet.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRATION
One of my greatest joys is helping others pursue their passions. I plan to offer workshops and resources for aspiring small business owners, sharing the lessons I've learned along the way. My hope is to inspire others to take the leap and follow their dreams, just as I have.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
I want Deep Sea Day Dreams to be a collaborative effort. Your feedback is invaluable, and I encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions with me, in a comment below, passing by at a craft show, an instagram DM, or any other method.
Whether it's a new scent idea or a way to improve sustainability practices, your input helps shape the future of Deep Sea Day Dreams.
STAY UP TO DATE
Stay connected by following me on social media and signing up for my newsletter. You'll be the first to know about new products, special offers, and upcoming events. Plus, it's a great way to engage with this growing community and share your own candle experiences.
As we look ahead, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. Together, we'll continue to build a brand that brings the serenity and beauty of the sea into homes, fosters meaningful connections, and inspires others to chase their dreams.
Thank you for being a part of Deep Sea Day Dreams. Here's to the exciting journey ahead!
