Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Hunt.
Hi Ariel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started with my mother, Linda —she was my biggest supporter, my best friend, and the inspiration behind it all. Candles were something she truly loved, and that love sparked something in me. I started researching and experimenting with making candles, and that’s when Flourishing Candle Company was born. It wasn’t just an idea; it was something I truly felt was given to me by God.
Like any journey, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were more downs than ups at times, and I even quit for a while. But God kept pushing me, reminding me of why I started in the first place. Eventually, I relaunched and expanded, turning Flourishing Candle Co. into a mobile candle making bar and shop. Now, we bring the full candle making experience right to your home, business, or events! Whether it’s a fun gathering, a celebration, or a team-building workshop for a company, FCC creates a unique and interactive way for people to connect. Let’s Make Scents together! You definitely want to check out instagram (@Flourishingcandleco) to book your candle making workshop for your next event, date night, girls trip, or a fun activity for the kids. Oh yes, we are kid-friendly!
Fitness, on the other hand, wasn’t always something I focused on. I haven’t been active for several years and never lifted weights. I was always scared to get “ too big” for a woman with weight lifting but I prayed for the strength and discipline to take care of my body and started ti get to work for myself. Baby let me tell ya, God came through! Less than a year ago, I committed to my fitness journey, and since then, I’ve lost over 40 pounds, gained strength through weightlifting, and now, I’m even preparing to incorporate running (hopefully, lol). What started as a prayer for better health has turned into a lifestyle that I truly love and appreciate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all easy!! When I first started, I was so frustrated because I just couldn’t get the hang of making a good candle or creating a product I truly loved. I would start, then stop, and it felt like I was getting nowhere. Then, life hit me hard in July 2021 is when I loss my mother to heart failure, and instead of sitting down I then pushed me into overdrive. That’s when I really went all in on my business! I got a small shop that was in Pearland, worked with Houston Bucket List, started doing mobile classes at people’s homes, and even hosted a fun team-building event for HP, for realtors, networking events and a few other businesses.
Lately, things have been a little slow, but I’m still hopeful for more opportunities and stepping into new doors. I know that everything happens in seasons, and I trust that more doors will open. In the meantime, fitness has stepped up in my life, bringing on a whole new journey. Losing weight and building strength through weightlifting has been amazing, but I’m still learning about my body every day. Some days, I see real progress, and other days, I feel like nothing is changing. No one really talks about the fitness side of body dysmorphia and how even when you’re making progress, your mind can tell you otherwise. That’s why I take videos and pictures; they remind me how far I’ve actually come. In fact, that’s what led me to start sharing my fitness journey on Instagram. It keeps me accountable and hopefully inspires others going through the same thing. Babyyyy let me tell ya, I get in the gym and I handle my business, lol.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Flourishing Candle Company is a mobile candle making bar and shop that brings a unique and interactive experience to people’s homes, businesses, and events. I specialize in creating custom scented candles and hosting hands on workshops where guests can craft their own candles from start to finish! Whether it’s a private gathering, a celebration, or a corporate team-building event, FCC is all about making memories through scent. So, if you’re ready, I’m ready and you can book today for your very own workshop for your event.
One of the things I’m most proud of is hosting a major team-building workshop for nearly over 150 employees at HP in Cypress, Texas. That was a huge milestone for FCC and a true answer to prayer. It showed me just how much impact my business can have in bringing people together in a creative and enjoyable way.
What sets FCC apart is its mobility, I bring the full candle making experience directly to you, complete with high-quality scents and materials. Unlike traditional candle shops, my business is designed to be interactive, engaging, and completely customized to each event. Of course, to have FUNNNN!
Beyond candles, fitness has become a huge part of my life. I’ve been on a mission to thrive in my fitness journey and show others, especially those who think it’s too late! That you can start at any age, even at 37 lol. I share my progress on Instagram (@Artonari), documenting my workouts, strength-building, and overall growth. Fitness has taught me so much about discipline, consistency, and pushing past limits, and I hope to inspire others to take that first step toward a healthier, stronger version of themselves.
While business has its slow seasons, I remain hopeful for more opportunities to grow and expand. As for fitness it’s a lifestyle for me!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t necessarily see myself as a risk-taker, but rather as someone who believes in my faith in God. One of the biggest leaps I took was moving to Houston from New Orleans with no family, no friends and just my beautiful and talented acting daughter by my side. It was a huge step into the unknown, but I trusted that God would make a way. While it’s had its challenges, it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I’m grateful throughout all of it.
On top of that, I quit my 9-5 a few years ago and went all in on Flourishing Candle Company. Leaving the knowing of stability of a traditional job that I’ve known for almost 10 years and it was scary, but I knew I was meant for more. Every risk I’ve taken has been driving by faith, and my mother voice to just pray about it. It’s not always about knowing exactly how things will turn out, it’s about believing in God’s plan, no matter what!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Artonari and @Flourishingcandleco
