Christy Lott’s passion for candle-making started as a hobby — a way to fill her space with warmth and light.
“Each flickering flame sparked joy and tranquility,” Lott says, “igniting my desire to share this happiness with others.”
During an intimate gathering with friends, Lott had a conversation that convinced her to turn her passion into a business. Armed with a degree in business management and marketing, she laid the foundation for what would become Coast Candle Company LLC.
“I envisioned not just a line of candles, but an entire range of home fragrance products designed to elevate everyday spaces,” Lott says. “I poured my heart into every creation, ensuring that each candle was crafted with the highest-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques.”
Each candle she made, Lott explains, was a tribute to the beauty surrounding her — the salty air, the lush landscapes and the vibrant community she calls home — and served as a “a fragrant embodiment of the Gulf Coast spirit.” She also prioritized positive experiences, welcoming every patron like an old friend.
“Each candle had its own narrative, inspired by the people and places that surrounded me in life,” Lott says. “I began to share these ideas and stories through marketing efforts, allowing customers to feel a personal connection to the product they purchased.”
Over time, Lott’s company became known not only for its handcrafted candles and other scented products, but for the relationship she fostered with the community. She now operates Coast Candle Company out of her Gulfport home but aspires to open a brick-and-mortar store in Bay St. Louis.
“By establishing a physical presence in my hometown, I aim to create a welcoming place where locals and visitors alike could experience the magic of the candles that I have handcrafted,” Lott says. “This vision is not just about business; it is about giving back to the community that has nurtured my dreams.”
ILLUMINATE THE LOVE: CREATIVE WAYS TO USE CANDLES IN YOUR CELEBRATION
Candles add romance and warmth to any celebration. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your wedding or special event:
- Personalized favors: Choose a signature scent that reflects your love story.
- Candlelit guestbook wishes: Replace the traditional guestbook with a “wishes by candlelight” station. Guests write notes, prayers or wishes and place them in a jar next to a lit candle.
- Unity-candle ceremony — with a twist: Update the classic unity candle tradition by using a custom-blended candle made from scents that represent each partner.
- Aisle-lined glow: Line your ceremony aisle with candles in glass hurricanes, lanterns or floating in water.