Today we’d like to introduce you to Talia Dunn.
Hi Talia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Flintstone Candle Co. started in 2020 during a time when the world felt uncertain and heavy. What began as a hobby quickly became something much more meaningful to me. I discovered that making candles gave me a creative outlet and a way to bring a little warmth, comfort, and joy into people’s homes.
I named the business The Flintstone Candle Co. because I wanted the name to reflect more than where I’m from. To me, Flint represents resilience, strength, and the ability to keep growing even when circumstances aren’t easy. I often think about a rose growing through concrete. That image represents the heart of my business and the people I create for.
Over the years, that little hobby has grown into a real business. I’ve participated in more than 50 vendor events, expanded beyond candles into other bath and body products, and built relationships with customers who continue to come back and support me. I’m especially proud that the business has grown organically while allowing me to continue making every product myself.
Now, six years later, The Flintstone Candle Co. is still rooted in the same idea that inspired me in the beginning: creating products that bring joy, comfort, and a little light into someone’s day. But for me, the business is also about the woman behind the candles. It represents creativity, resilience, independence, and continuing to build something of my own, one candle at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a business during 2020 came with its own challenges, especially when so many events and opportunities were canceled or uncertain. I had to learn how to keep moving forward even when I couldn’t always see what was next.
Another challenge has been learning all of the different sides of running a business. Making the products is the part I love, but there’s also pricing, purchasing supplies, inventory, marketing, vendor events, finding customers, and figuring out how to grow while still keeping the quality and personal touch that made people support me in the first place.
I’ve also had to learn not to take every slow season or unsuccessful event personally. Not every product will sell the same, and not every event will be the right audience. Those experiences have taught me to pay attention, make adjustments, and keep going.
The biggest lesson has been that building something takes patience. The Flintstone Candle Co. has grown over time because I kept showing up. Every event, every customer, every new product, and even the things that didn’t work helped me become a better business owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professionally, my work has always centered around helping people navigate systems, access resources, and feel supported. My background is in healthcare administration and public health, and over the years I’ve worked in community health, youth services, and residential care.
Today, I work in residential services, where I oversee the day-to-day operations of an adult foster care home and lead a team responsible for providing safe, compassionate care to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, autism, and other support needs. A big part of my role is leadership, staff development, problem-solving, advocacy, and making sure the people we serve are treated with dignity.
I’m also pursuing my Master of Public Health, because I’ve always believed that health is about more than what happens in a doctor’s office. It’s also about access, education, environment, resources, and having someone willing to help you navigate the system.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to connect with people from very different backgrounds and meet them where they are. Whether I’m advocating for a community member, supporting a young person, leading a team, or helping someone navigate a complicated system, I try to bring compassion and practical problem-solving to the work.
What sets me apart is that I bring both professional knowledge and real-world experience to what I do. I’m not someone who only wants to identify a problem. I want to understand it, figure out what can actually be done, and help people move forward.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe in surrounding yourself with inspirational people who are doing things you aspire to do. I’ve learned that you don’t always have to formally call someone a mentor for them to have a meaningful impact on your life. Sometimes mentorship happens naturally through relationships, conversations, observation, and being willing to learn from people who have already accomplished something you’re working toward.
I also believe in putting yourself in rooms where the people you want to learn from are. Attend events, join professional organizations, introduce yourself, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Networking has worked best for me when I focus on building genuine relationships rather than immediately thinking about what someone can do for me.
I’ve also learned that you should be willing to be both a student and a resource. The people you meet may have knowledge you need, but you may have something valuable to offer them as well. Good professional relationships should be mutually beneficial.
Most importantly, I think you have to be intentional about who you allow to influence you. I want to be surrounded by people who inspire me, challenge me, encourage me, and are continuing to grow themselves. Your environment matters, and sometimes being around the right people can help you see possibilities for yourself that you hadn’t considered before.
Pricing:
- Handmade 8oz soy candles -$13
- Whipped Shea Body Butter -$10
- Authentic Black Soap- $6
- Fragrance Mist-$12
- Organic Hair oil- $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theflintstonecandleco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflintstonecandlecollc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflintstonecandlecollc
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@theflintstonecandlecollc6789
