Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Paris-Alderson.
Hi Ashley , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be running a candle bar in Spring, Texas, I probably would’ve laughed and said it was impossible. My journey to Mixology Candle Bar has been anything but simple, but every step has been guided by faith, resilience, and the belief that even in the darkest times, there is always light.
For two years, I carried around a file folder labeled “Candle Dream.” Inside were ideas, notes, and visions of one day opening my own store. At the time, it felt like a far-off dream—something I longed for but wasn’t sure would ever come true. I was comfortable in my career, having worked nearly 20 years in the oil and gas industry as an inventory and asset manager. That career taught me discipline, organization, and problem-solving. Along the way, I also discovered a love for event planning. Planning events gave me energy because I loved bringing people together and making them feel celebrated. For a long time, I thought oil and gas would be my forever career—but deep down, I knew I was meant to create something that blended my skills with my true passion.
One Sunday at church, the pastor was speaking about being the light. In that moment, I knew deep in my soul that the message was meant for me. I looked at my husband and whispered, “He’s talking to me. I need to pursue this dream.” That was the spark that lit the fire—what had been just a dream in a folder became a calling on my heart.
When my family and I moved to Texas, I felt like God had placed me exactly where I was meant to be. Everything fell into place so seamlessly. With the business skills I had developed in my career, and with the guidance of the SBDC, I finally gained the courage to chase my dream. Slowly, the vision of a candle bar began to take shape—a beautiful space where people could gather, choose their favorite scents, and create something uniquely meaningful.
But for me, candles are more than fragrance and wax. They are symbols of light in the darkness, hope in difficult times, and love that can be shared with others. That’s what I wanted Mixology Candle Bar to represent—a place where people could laugh, connect, and leave not only with a candle, but with a memory and a reminder that life’s greatest joy is often found in the little things.
Since opening, I’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing and inspiring people. I’ve watched couples pour candles together on date nights, families create candles that remind them of home, and groups of friends celebrate milestones they’ll never forget. Every day I walk into the shop, I feel like I’m living a dream. I even tell my husband to pinch me sometimes because it doesn’t feel real!
I am forever grateful—to my husband, my two boys, our incredible friends and family who have been my biggest supporters, this community for welcoming us so warmly, and most of all, to God for turning my pain into purpose.
Mixology is more than a candle bar. It’s my story of faith, resilience, and joy—and my hope is that it inspires others to shine their light, too.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As for the business, everything has come together so beautifully—it’s felt like such a smooth journey. I truly believe God has His hands in all of this and that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
In my personal life, there have definitely been struggles, but those challenges have only made me stronger, especially in my faith. If you’d like more details, I’d be happy to share.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe my background is what truly sets me apart. I spent 20 years in the oil and gas industry, working my way up from receptionist to the Executive Leadership team. That experience gave me strong business discipline, organization, and leadership skills. Along the way, I also discovered how much I loved helping with event planning—it sparked my creative side and showed me the joy of bringing people together.
Mixology Candle Bar is the perfect blend of both sides of me—I run it with structure and heart. What I’m most proud of is turning what was once just a dream in a file folder into reality.
When customers visit my store or attend an offsite event, they’re not just buying a candle. They’re creating an experience. Guests get to mix scents that tell their own story and walk away with something uniquely theirs—along with memories made with the people they love. And that makes my heart happy! 🙂
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love supporting small businesses and collaborating with others! People can support me by visiting Mixology and experiencing a candle-pouring session, or by booking private or corporate events (we travel, too 😊). We also create custom-branded candles for salons, coffee shops, boutiques, and realtors.
Every review, share, and recommendation makes a big difference in helping us grow. But most importantly, supporting Mixology also supports my mission—to “Be The Light” spreading light, love, kindness, community, and connection throughout our community.
Pricing:
- $25 experience fee
- Vessels range from $7.50-$27.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mixologycandlebar.com
- Instagram: @mixologycandlebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixologycandlebar/
Image Credits
Zoe Foreman took the pictures of me by myself.
