Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Tani.
Hi Mikayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a labor and delivery nurse here in Houston, and Vibe & Glo started as something really personal for me. Like many people in healthcare, I was working long night shifts and quietly dealing with anxiety and burnout. I needed an outlet that felt peaceful and creative, so I started making candles in my kitchen as a way to unwind after work.
What began as a little side hobby quickly became something I looked forward to every day. I fell in love with the process of scent blending, creating clean products, and designing candles that felt like tiny moments of comfort. I started gifting them to friends and family, and their response gave me the confidence to take things further. That’s when Vibe & Glo Candle Studio was born.
I’ve always wanted this brand to stand for more than just beautiful home fragrance. I wanted it to be a reminder to slow down, breathe, and take care of your mental well-being. That’s why every product is hand-poured with clean, non-toxic ingredients and made to support the idea of everyday self-care. And because mental health is so important to me, I decided to donate a portion of each purchase to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
Today, Vibe & Glo offers candles, wax melts, room sprays, and car diffusers, all designed to help people create space for themselves. It’s still just me behind the scenes pouring every batch, packing every order, and connecting with customers. This business has been one of the biggest blessings in my life, and I’m so grateful for the community that’s grown around it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, but every bump has taught me something valuable.
Starting Vibe & Glo while working full-time as a nurse has been one of the biggest challenges. Juggling 12-hour shifts, launching a business from scratch, and still trying to prioritize my own mental health has stretched me in ways I never expected. There are days I feel completely overwhelmed…pouring candles in the middle of the night, trying to fulfill orders, learning the ins and outs of e-commerce, photography, SEO, shipping… all while showing up for patients the next day (or night in my case).
There have also been moments of doubt. Like most small business owners, I’ve had to push through slow sales periods, mistakes in production, and all the behind-the-scenes trial and error that no one sees. I’ve had to learn to give myself grace, ask for help, and remind myself why I started.
On a more personal level, one of the hardest parts was having a panic attack at work that really shook me. It forced me to face how deeply I needed to make mental health a priority, not just for myself but for others too. That moment, as hard as it was, really shaped the heart of Vibe & Glo. It reminded me that creating a business rooted in healing and intention was exactly where I needed to be.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been real, full of growth, and worth every step.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a labor and delivery nurse on a high-risk maternity unit, which means I spend a lot of time caring for others during some of the most intense moments of their lives. While I love what I do, the emotional toll and long shifts started catching up with me. I was burned out, anxious, and looking for something to help me decompress. That’s when I started making candles.
What began as a personal outlet quickly grew into Vibe & Glo. Our scents are inspired by real experiences, and our Inner Glo Collection especially reflects my own journey with anxiety and mental health.
What sets us apart is that this brand was built by someone who deeply understands burnout. Each product is meant to feel like a pause, a reset, a moment to come back to yourself. We also donate a portion of every purchase to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America to support mental health advocacy.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to just start even if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. I started Vibe & Glo in my kitchen after night shifts with no business background and no idea what it would grow into or what I was doing. I was googling everything, making mistakes, figuring it out one step at a time… and honestly, I still am.
What I’ve learned is that progress matters more than perfection. You don’t have to wait until everything is polished or professional to begin. You’ll grow into it. Your brand will evolve, your confidence will build, and you’ll learn so much just by doing.
I also wish I had known how important it is to give yourself grace. Owning a business is full of highs and lows. There are still days I feel unsure or overwhelmed, but I’ve learned to trust myself and keep moving forward. You don’t need all the answers, you just need a clear why and the willingness to keep showing up.
You don’t have to do it alone. Lean into community. Connect with other small business owners. Ask for help. Share your story. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been realizing how many people are figuring it out alongside you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vibeandglocandlestudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibeandglo/
Image Credits
Jill Baumann JBTX Photography
