Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Armbrust.
Paige, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have had a special spot in my heart for rescue animals since I was a little girl. My parents would take me to visit local shelters for fun, we donated regularly as a family, and we always had rescue animals growing up. When I became an adult, it was a no-brainer that I would adopt my own dog and continue to give-back the way my parents did. After adopting Moose (my current dog), I still wanted to do more. I started volunteering with an amazing rescue organization, Pup Squad, which inspired me even more to do what I can for these animals. I brainstormed what I could do myself to continue to give-back. What could I create with a small budget but lots of love? I decided to try to make one candle following a starter kit. I loved it! The name Wick & Wag came quickly and naturally and so did the motto – “be the light in a shelter dog’s life”. I created the label the same day. Within a few weeks, I was up and running and have been selling candles for a month or so now via Etsy and in person. I am so excited about the project, there was no way that once I had the idea it wouldn’t be done as quickly as I could.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am still learning to perfect the art of candle-making! Candles can be more scientific than one would think. There are many different types of wax, all with different pros and cons. I chose soy wax for the Wick & Wag candles, as it is eco-friendly and lasts the longest. You have to add fragrance, mix the wax, and pour the wax at specific temperatures to get a good result. The container you pour the wax into even has to be at a specific temperature! Being a bit of a perfectionist, it has taken some trial and error. I donate the “blooper” candles to shelters that want them. We all know dogs are the best but don’t always smell the best 😉
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Wick & Wag – what should we know?
Wick & Wag makes give-back candles for shelter dogs in need. We donate a percentage of our earnings to local shelters here in Houston. Each candle is eco-friendly, made soy wax and recycled glass jars and each one is hand-poured. Houston has a huge population of homeless, neglected, and abused animals, and I’m proud that I can help better our city’s statistics through donations.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents made me aware of shelter pets and the importance of adoption early on. I don’t think I would have come up with Wick & Wag without them. My husband and brother have been incredibly supportive as well. Everyone is happy to see me doing something I care so deeply about.
Pricing:
- 8oz give-back candles, $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/wickandwag
- Phone: 2816585585
- Instagram: @wickandwag
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.
