Meet Kristina Metz

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Metz.

Hi Kristina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi my name is Kristina! I am 28, and currently located in Genesee County! My story starts in the darkness of addiction. In 2020, I realized I needed to stop using alcohol as a crutch & that I did have a problem. This was a hard realization because I had been clean from drugs for about three years at this point & was terrified of what was next, and honestly didn’t think I could ditch booze too. I was at a loss and thought there was no helping me. I had a terrible experience with therapy, and so I decided to hire a life coach! (Shout out to the incredible Jewel Hohman).

Eventually, I realized I was capable of anything & that I was my own problem (always a fun realization lol). I had a lot of free time on my hands since I was no longer participating in any type of “party culture”, and ya know, global pandemic. Painting sober was not an easy feat anymore, so I started making things out of resin & bleach-dying clothes! I’ve always loved candles and one day had the thought “Oh wow I bet I could do this”. Then started Recovery Candle Co! (Sober Bar & Boutique).

Now I do it all. I’ve struggled with addiction my entire life & I do believe addiction is a spectrum, and we all struggle with something. Recovery Candle Co has opened the door for many conversations and friendships! I’ve grown a huge love for myself, & my community. I now have a confidence that I carry with me everywhere & that allows me to market and connect with amazing people every day. Why not enjoy something cute, cozy, or good smellin’ while you prioritize yourself?

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not, lol. I hired a life coach, and it was the BEST decision ever made. (Shout out Connection With Jewel! ILYSM). It was time to get out of my way, hold myself accountable, and make changes! I think we as humans carry a lot of self-doubt and get in our way a lot. We are our own worst critics, after all.

When I got sober a bunch of things came to light that I was masking for a long time with seriously unhealthy coping mechanisms, (or lack thereof coping mechanisms to be honest) but this business has become a wonderful outlet for me. I am elated that I made the plunge to start it!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
What don’t I do?! My primary shift has been creating yummy scents to make you feel safe & secure or bring you back to a special moment in your life. I think I create things to help practice self-love and treat myself. I make candles, wax melts, car air diffusers, cups, tumblers, totes, clothing, etc!

I have a line of “mocktail inspired” items that I am very proud of that is helping me make a shift into Sober Bar & Sober Intentional Hangs/Workshops! I think being vulnerable with yourself and your community is huge and can set you apart from others. I thoroughly enjoy practicing transparency. Embracing your humanness is admirable. I am very fortunate to feel comfortable in my skin & be able to do such a thing!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We are all going through something. We are all deserving and worthy of love, kindness, & genuine connection. You deserve a safe space and to be able to fully embrace who you are because who you are is freaking wonderful! You can do whatever you put your mind to. I am proud of you. You’ve got this!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/recoverycandlecollc