Conversations with Alivia Culhane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alivia Culhane

Hi Alivia , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My son entered the world during the peak of the Covid pandemic, a time
that brought immense uncertainty and led me to being furloughed before
ultimately losing my job. As they say, great ideas often emerge from the
depths of desperation. I found myself in need of an outlet as a new mother,
and I turned to the art of candle making—not just any candles, but clean,
toxin-free candles that I could safely burn around my son without worry.
Countless hours of research, experimentation, and dedication led me to a
local vendor show, where I had the opportunity to share my creations with
others, unknowingly launching a business that would grow in ways I had
never even imagined.
Now, two years later, what began as a humble endeavor has blossomed
into a thriving venture, encompassing numerous products, all strictly
adhering to the same rule: they must be toxin-free. My family has been
profoundly blessed by this journey, as it has allowed me to stay home with
my son while simultaneously running a small business. He is a healthy and
happy little boy now, who loves to help mom “make candles”.
My business reflects our deep love for the great outdoors. You’ll often find
us exploring the breathtaking beauty of northern Michigan through our
adventures in travel, camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The very first winter I owned my business was extremely rough. I had started by business in October of 2022 and by January of 2023 I was ready to throw in the towel. My sales had completely plummeted from the first few months after I had opened, and I was in the red. I thought maybe it wasn’t meant to be and how could I turn this around. I hated the thought of being in debt over my new business. My spouse kept reassuring me it would even out and get better as the warmer months approached. He is honestly what kept me from selling everything at bare minimum and being done. He was and has been my biggest supporter.
Sure, enough as the warmer months approached, and I attended several large vendor shows.
My business sales were up and my business flourishing.
The year of 2023 showed me that I could do this small business thing! It took time to learn how to budget for the slow season, so my business would stay ahead and have the resources it needed to come back even better for the next busy season. Almost 3 years later I have grown as a business owner. Learning everything as I go and always trying to better myself and my business along the way. Owning a small business and being a stay-at-home mom is not for the faint of heart. It puts a whole new perspective on “Work / Life Balance” there is many times I have thought. This is too much.
But at the end of the day the blessings outweigh the stress.

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?
The reason I started my business was to be different. As someone who enjoys natural products and the outdoors, I wanted to create a brand that would represent both. This started with finding sustainable raw materials and the inspiration for my styled brand was right in my own backyard. Living in Norhtern Michigan nature is all around us and I wanted my business to have the woodsy feel. I wanted a brand that was for anyone!
I was able to land a reputable seller of organic soy and beeswax right within the USA. Followed by finding the best non – toxic fragrance oils and clean wicks. It was important to me to source as many raw materials from the USA. Which I was able to do just that. This is what my business is all about, clean nontoxic candles and other products. My business is most known for its candles, a mix of organic soy and beeswax. With a long 45 hour burn per 8oz. candle. Not being able to stop with just candles, I added wax melts, car diffusers, and room sprays. The one thing that my business specializes in is being handmade and toxin free. Absolutely everything is hand crafted, and all the candles are hand poured by yours truly. It’s a lot of work buying the raw materials and the making them into something beautiful, as I am the only employee. But it’s rewarding work and something I truly enjoy.
My business has expanded since I first started in 2022. My products vary from candles all the way to natural body care. New products from the last year are Magnesium Spray, Linen Spray, Healing Salve and more. People from all styles love the rustic woodsy style of my business and I love it too. There is nothing I would change!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest supporter from the very beginning is my husband. He has never not supported me in any of my ideas for my business. My husband, William has been by my side through every vendor show helping me set up and tear down. He has even become quite the salesman my customers say. If I need something he’s got it covered 100%. Even helping me carry the heavy boxes of wax and supplies after they are delivered. To running customer orders to the post office for me on his lunch breaks. I couldn’t ask for a better supporter then him!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darkpinescandleco.com
• Instagram: darkpinescandleco
• Facebook: darkpinescandleco