What is theLOCAL?: Indigo Scents Candle Co.
While growing up on the east coast, Christal King became intrigued with the breathtaking surroundings of Hampton, Virginia. She fell in love with every aspect of nature, especially the endless views of the ocean and its beautiful aromas.
She was inspired to put her memories into a dream that she would never forget. Those inspirations are what fueled what is now Indigo Scents Candle Co.
King started selling her specialized products in 2012, then took it a step further to selling her products at the farmers’ market and other vendors within West Tennessee. When the opportunity graciously came to be a part of theLOCAL, she opened her first storefront.
“Ever come across a scent that you wanted to hold onto because it made you feel relaxed or in a better place?” King asked me. “I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to recreate that fragrance to put happiness back into people lives. . . .”
“I wanted to recreate that fragrance to put happiness back into people lives.”
As soon as I walked into the quaint and adorable building, gazing over all of her products, I felt like I was in aromatherapy heaven. But I cannot tell you which one was more refreshing, King's serene energy or the delectable aromas of her homemade fragrances within the store.
Bath bombs and artisan soaps fill baskets throughout the room. Stands display aroma melts shaped like seashells and assorted beach treasures. Shelves overflow with aroma sprays, candles, and whipped shea butters.
And what’s more, all of these items can be personalized for over fifty different fragrances, just ready to be stacked up in the little white baskets provided for customers.
I will admit that I am a bit obsessed with candles, so it was refreshing to me to hear that Indigo Scents candles are made of 100% natural soy wax. The wax is vegan and kosher certified, made from soybeans harvested right here in the U.S. The soy wax is also eco-friendly, biodegradable, and contains no harmful GMOs or petrochemicals, which provides a cleaner and longer lasting burn. The fragrant candles have lead-free, all-natural cotton wicks that are perfect for those with allergies. And to top it off, even the dyes are soy-based.
King uses the maximum percentage of only premium fragrance and essential oils that smell true to life.
“We use natural ingredients in our products,” she told me. “Since we specialize the candles and fragrances to our customers’ liking, they know exactly what ingredients are used.”
In addition to operating the business day-to-day, King also orchestrates candle parties where customers earn free and/or discounted products by hosting their own events, and she has plenty of other ideas up her sleeve.
“I love doing community service and partnering with different schools, churches, organizations and athletic teams,” she added.
King reassured me that Indigo Scents products are not geared towards women only; men can also purchase things for themselves. The aroma spray can be used in automobiles and spaces, and the candles comes in variety of scents—even that favorite cologne he loves to wear. Indigo Scents has branched out will be launching a beard oil this month.
A smile crept across my face when I saw the words “family,” “laugh,” and “live” posted on the wall; that perfectly describes the atmosphere King has created.
“That’s why I love creating: because this shop is for the entire family. Even the kids like the bath bombs because it fizzes in the bathtub, it explodes with colors, and some of the names of the bath bombs have fun little names (for example: Monkey Farts).” Christal laughs. “But it actually has an amazing aroma with the blend of banana and different berries with a creamy vanilla musk; it smells really good despite its name.”
King loves what she does and excited about the future and the expansion of Indigo Scents.
“My goal is not only to outgrow this space but also be able to hire young adults and women who need a second chance in life,” she told me wholeheartedly. “I want to help others with business opportunities. My advice to them comes from my favorite quote by Thomas Jefferson: ‘If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.’”
King’s hope is that her products can help you unwind after an exhausting day, reminisce about a favorite childhood memory, or take you on a tropical getaway straight from the comforts of your own home. And once you’ve visited her little twelve-by-twenty-four-foot space, you’ll see that her business does just that.
“Indigo Scents is here to improve your mood, relax your body, and even exhilarate you,” King said. “We produce strongly scented fragrances that will fill your home with hours of beautiful aromas to provide the ultimate sensory pleasure.”
Asanta Brooks is an author and freelance writer. Her passion for writing stemmed from creating and illustrating comic strips as a child, which lead to her becoming involved with the high school paper and excelling as a feature writer for her college paper. She resides in Jackson with her adorably energetic three-year-old son, Alex.
Photographer Courtney Searcy likes to design things, take pictures, and write words that tell good stories about their community. Jackson became home after she graduated from Union University in 2014, where she studied Graphic Design and Journalism. She currently works as marketing manager at TLM Associates while continuing to make paper goods on the side via her business Fine Company. She thinks the best things in life are porch swings, brunch, art, music, and friends to share it all with.
