Shop Local, Shop Small

Something about small, local businesses have always captured my heart. Maybe it's because I myself am an artisan that I’m able to truly admire many other business owners and creators around me in Nashville, TN. When EKKO Candle Co. began to take shape just a few years back, we were the definition of start-up small business. I was learning all of the ropes on my own. It wasn’t just pouring candles, it became sourcing ingredients, running social media, connecting with wholesale accounts, and so much more. I faced many challenges where I learned that some of the people I relied on the most were just like me: small business owners. 

Being from a small town I’ve always loved a close-knit community feel, and by sourcing the ingredients for EKKO Candles right here in Tennessee, I found a little business community in itself. It has always been so important to me to do business with companies that are invested in the well-being of my company, the community, and its future. Ninety percent of the components of our candles have been intentionally sought out from local and small businesses in Franklin, Lavergne, Brentwood, and Knoxville. What I was not able to source locally I knew would be sourced from small businesses. We were able to link arms with small businesses in Wyckoff, New Jersey and Taylorville, IL to help complete the EKKO Candle family. Knowing that the products we create will not only serve as a beautiful aroma in your homes, but will also support other artisans is truly something special in my eyes.

Now more than ever it is so important to support those local makers that you love. Anything from a product purchase to a share on Instagram has the power to help these creatives in their businesses. Some businesses local to Nashville I’m supporting right now are Creekside Garden Center, Wax Local, Hewitt Garden and Design Center, Tractor Supply Grassland, Unique Flavors, Cool Springs Wines, Nashville Pizza, and Hair Expressions. These are all businesses that have been so kind to me over the years and are doing an amazing job adapting to this world we call today. 

There is a unique set of challenges that come with being a small business owner. I struggle with scaling, staying energized through the slow seasons, and balancing quality and growth. From the beginning I have built EKKO on a foundation of quality and customer service over quick growth. I want to say a big thank you to those of you supporting EKKO Candle Co. right now - your purchases, your Facebook likes, your Instagram story tags, all of it, never go unnoticed or unappreciated. I would love to know what local shops and boutiques YOU want to see EKKO Candles in! Feel free to comment on this post, or reach out and let us know directly. Remember to support your local, small businesses however you can right now!

Wishing you love and light,

Debbie