Connect
To Top

Life & Work with Courtney Dolliole of Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Dolliole.

Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Essential Vibez Candle Co started back in 2020. I’ve always been a candle lover to me, the first thing you notice when you walk into any home is the smell. That’s what inspired me to start creating candles that bring warmth, comfort, and good energy into every space.
I began with simple single-wick candles in grey tin jars, pouring them by hand with so much passion. Fast forward to 2025, and Essential Vibez has grown into a full collection — we now offer two- and three-wick candles, room sprays, car sprays, and wax melts. Every product is made with care, intention, and the best “vibez” possible because our products are truly essential!
One of my favorite parts of this journey is sharing it with my daughter. She’s hands-on in the business, interacts with customers, and is an amazing young saleswoman who really knows our products. Together, we love going to local markets in Houston, meeting new people, and connecting with other vendors.
When we first started, we were only shipping to Dallas but now our candles travel all over, from Louisiana to Chicago, Austin, and even New York! I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s next. In the next couple of years, I see Essential Vibez growing even more and hopefully opening our very own storefront.
At the end of the day, Essential Vibez Candle Co is all about the energy. I pour good vibes into every product because I truly believe the energy you put into something is what people feel when they bring it into their home.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most small business journeys, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road but every challenge has helped shape Essential Vibez Candle Co into what it is today.
In the beginning, I was learning everything from scratch from testing waxes and fragrance oils to figuring out packaging, branding, and pricing. There were moments of frustration, especially when batches didn’t turn out as planned or when supplies were delayed during the pandemic.
One of the biggest challenges was showing up to local markets and, at first, making absolutely nothing. There were days we’d attend events, put in all the work, and leave with $0 in sales. But I never gave up. I kept showing up every event, every weekend because I believed in my products and my purpose. I thank God for the opportunities to meet new people, learn from other vendors, and discover how I could grow as a business owner. Those early experiences taught me resilience and reminded me that success doesn’t happen overnight.
Balancing motherhood, work, and entrepreneurship was another challenge. I had to learn how to manage my time, stay consistent, and keep faith even when things moved slowly. Having my daughter involved made it all worth it she kept me motivated and proud of what we were building together.
Marketing and exposure also took time. It wasn’t easy getting our name out there in a competitive market, but each event, every conversation, and every returning customer showed me that people truly connect with the energy and love I pour into every candle.
Through all of it, I’ve learned that growth takes patience, consistency, and faith. Every obstacle became a lesson, and I’m grateful for the struggles because they made me stronger, more creative, and more confident as a business owner.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

At Essential Vibez Candle Co, I specialize in creating hand-poured candles and home fragrance products that do more than just smell good
they create an atmosphere. My goal is to design scents that evoke emotion, spark memories, and set the perfect vibe for any space.
What sets Essential Vibez apart is the intention and energy behind every product. I pour good vibes, positivity, and passion into each candle, room spray, and wax melt. Every fragrance is carefully curated and tested to ensure the scent fills your space without being overpowering, leaving a lasting impression the moment you walk through the door.

I’m most proud of how far the brand has come since 2020. What started with single-wick candles in grey tins has grown into a full home fragrance luxury line featuring two- and three-wick candles, room sprays, car sprays, and wax melts. I’ve also expanded from selling locally in Houston to shipping nationwide to places like Louisiana, Chicago, Austin, and New York.
Another thing that makes Essential Vibez special is the connection with our customers. Whether it’s at a local market or through an online order, I make it a priority to create a personal experience. My daughter and I love interacting with customers, helping them find their favorite scent, and seeing their excitement when they discover our brand.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
This journey has taught me that growth happens when you keep showing up, even when it’s hard. As long as I stay true to my purpose, keep God at the center, and believe in myself, everything else falls into place.

Pricing:

  • Free shipping on orders over 50$
  • Local pick up and delivery

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Corey Hanks Stand By Productions
Instagram: Stand_By_productions

Suggest a Story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories