Inspiring Conversations with Rebecca DuBois of Fresh Coast Candles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca DuBois.

Hi Rebecca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Fresh Coast Candles was born out of a love-love for Lake Michigan, storytelling, and creating something better. I grew up spending summers on the beach in Muskegon, climbing dunes with my cousins and making core memories on the shoreline. Years later while working in a farm-to-table kitchen in West MI, I found myself at a crossroads. I loved the job, but I had hit a ceiling in an industry where respect wasn’t always handed out fairly, especially as a woman. When I found out the men in roles with less responsibility were making more, I knew it was time to create something of my own.
While driving home from Traverse City I stopped at my favorite shop on US-31 that carried Michigan-made products. I saw a simple candle and thought, “I could do this—and I can do it better.” That same night, I ordered my first round of supplies. I leaned into my background of recipe development and sourcing, but quickly realized that creating a quality, clean-burning candle was more complicated than it looked. From the start I was getting headaches. After digging deeper, I learned how accepted toxic ingredients like synthetic oils and wicks are in mainstream candles. I didn’t want to just make candles, I wanted to make them better.
So, I started over. This time with 100% plant-based wax, cotton-core wicks, and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Valuing my core principles, I started with cut repurposed wine bottles to keep it green. But the cost was high and the bump on the bottom was creating issues. I now use high quality drinking glasses in efforts to ensure that the glass will be reused once the candle burns down. Conveniently, soy washes out easily with soap and water. I also use easy peel labels, making the process simple and quick.

I tested every scent with friends and family until we all agreed they were the best candles we had ever burned. Today, Fresh Coast Candles reflects the places I’ve been, the people I love, and the belief that nature smells better. Whether it’s “Dune Dancer” or “Here Comes the Sun,” each candle tells a story.

One of the very best parts of my FCC story is my with my dad (Rick)!! who deserves much well-earned credit. He’s a retired master carpenter and a perfectionist by trade; he helped me build FCC from the ground up. From fabricating my first candle tables to custom building the entire studio. He’s trimmed wicks and labeled a LOT of candles. Supporting me through every hard decision and helped me get past mistakes. His love, support and encouragement continues to overflow.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not smooth, but full of meaning. My hardest lesson that cost me thousands was when I hired a marketing team to help me create my brand to get the ball rolling. However they didn’t believe there was a market for essential oil candles and that buyers care more about cost than quality and environmental responsibility. Long story short, it was an expensive lessons.
I need to trust my gut. My journey’s been shaped by trial, error, and a lot of heart. I’m not a chemist or a market agent, I’m just someone who believes nature and that people deserve to breathe clean air.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The versatility with FCC custom candles sticks out for sure. Private labels are a big part of the business. I love collaborating with the community. We often work with the City of Holland with their small and large events like Girlfriends Weekend downtown Holland. We made hundreds of candles for their participant gift bags. I work with museums, gift shops, restaurants, offering personalized labels so they can carry the quality FCC candle that are tailored to their business and their brand. And we also fill a lot of logo glasses for breweries and distillery candles. Those are nice because people are happy to wash them and reuse a fun logo glass.

As a whole, I think it’s the genuine care and integrity that makes Fresh Coast Candles special. I value our health, our planet, and our wellbeing. I use the healthiest ingredients, I use quality reusable vessels, and collect packing materials from local companies that would normally just go straight to the landfill. And I care about people. Fresh Coast Candles is a product people can feel good about buying. And can feel the comfort, warmth and joy that candles should provide.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Growing up with dyslexia in the 80’s, I lacked the confidence for a college career, or especially owning a business.
After what I felt was my failed attempt at high school, I realized later it was the system that failed me.
I began traveling the country exploring national parks, music festivals, and started a free food kitchen for fellow travelers. When I was ready to slow things down and have a steady paycheck, I worked in Yellowstone and Sequoia National Parks. My path wasn’t traditional, but it gave me a deep respect for resourcefulness, connection, and creativity. All of which now pour into my business. Discovering there’s a lot more than one way to build a fulfilling and beautiful life.

Pricing:

• $20-$30
• $6-$15 Custom Candles for business, party favors or events
• Wholesale inquiries welcome!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Freshcoastcandles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshcoastcandles?igsh=MWo2aTliZzZjZjFrdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14WZipjFFp/?mibextid=wwXIfr