Meet the Maker: Oasis Studio
Sofie Martinez, Founder of Oasis Studio Featured in the August 2023 Vellabox
In life, there are so many good feelings. Whether that’s happiness, excitement, or gratitude, my candles will give you all the good feels.
Use code OASIS15 for 15% off your Oasis Studio order! (until 1/24)
How did Oasis Studio get started?
The concept of candle making first sparked my interest during my sophomore year of college. At the time, I was seeking gift ideas for my loved ones during the holiday season, and being a 19-year-old with limited financial resources, I had to be creative. While browsing through YouTube, I stumbled upon a captivating tutorial on how to embark on the art of candle making, and that’s when I became hooked.
Unfortunately, my progress came to a halt in 2019 when I faced a heartbreaking loss—the passing of my aunt, who was also my closest friend. Coping with the grief consumed me, and it wasn’t until 2022, after a prolonged period of mourning, that I realized there would never be a perfect time to pursue my passion. I made the decision to persevere and push forward.
Finally, in December of 2022, I took the leap and officially launched my candle-making venture. Since then, I haven’t once regretted my decision and have embraced the journey with open arms.
Can you describe the candles featured in this month’s Vellabox?
Summer Market is the end of summer candle IT girl. With notes of citrus, sweet grapefruit, and greenery, this scent will awaken your senses and lift your spirits. A delightful tart and sweet blend!
Sweet Cream features a sophisticated blend of amber, cocoa butter, and cedar. Perfect for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere, this scent is ideal for those looking to unwind and relax after a long day.
Forbidden Woods, with notes of cedar musk, lavender, and mahogany, will transform any space into a cozy retreat. With the perfect balance of woodsy and floral notes, this scent is sure to soothe your soul.
These featured scents are available in the Vellabox candle shop!
What is your favorite candle that you’ve created?
Out of all the candles I have crafted, the recent summer collection has undoubtedly become my favorite. It holds a special place in my heart. The reason behind this fondness lies in the fact that these scents were meticulously thought out, blending together various aromatic elements, and drawing inspiration from my personal encounters in national parks.
The process of creating these candles allowed me to delve into my own experiences, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty and translating it into fragrant notes. Each scent is carefully crafted to reflect the unique ambiance and memories associated with different National parks.
What values or pillars does your business take pride in?
We take pride in knowing we provide all of our customers with sustainable, yet luxurious products. At Oasis Studio, we want you to feel at home. That feeling when you kick off your shoes after a long day. Or laying in your hammock on a beautiful day. Taking a sip of coffee on the porch during a storm.
And cleaning the entire house & finishing it off by lighting a candle. That feeling is home.
What has surprised you about being a candle maker and running your business?
There have been a few surprises along the journey of candle making and running a business. One aspect that has caught me off guard is the level of intricacy and attention to detail required in the candle-making process. Initially, I had envisioned it to be a relatively straightforward craft, but I soon discovered that achieving consistent results and perfecting the desired scent combinations demands precision and lots of experimenting.
Additionally, the business aspect introduced me to a whole new realm of responsibilities. I was taken back by the amount of time and effort needed to manage different aspects such as inventory management, marketing, customer relations, and financial considerations. Running a business requires the willingness to adapt to various challenges that arise as well. It’s amazing what doesn’t seem like work when it’s a passion.
Any exciting launches or events coming up that we can look forward to?
Since fall candle season is around the corner, sparks are flying here. We are launching our first ever Autumn Collection this fall, so stay tuned for the drop on social media!