Austin Entrepreneur Turns Pandemic Hobby into Viral Candle Business

News Summary

Tai Clay, an Austin-based entrepreneur, transformed her pandemic hobby of candle making into a viral success with her brand, Clay House Candles. Beginning her journey during the pandemic, Tai’s creativity and social media savvy led her to garner millions of views and attract attention from big companies. With unique scents and catchy names, her candles represent a blend of artistry and storytelling, illustrating the power of pursuing one’s passions during challenging times. Clay’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs to take creative leaps.

Austin Entrepreneur Turns Pandemic Hobby into Viral Candle Business

Austin has always been a city buzzing with creativity, but lately, one local entrepreneur has become a shining example of how to turn a personal passion into a thriving business. Tai Clay, a *multifaceted* entrepreneur, has transformed her pandemic hobby into a *viral sensation* with her unique candle brand, Clay House Candles.

From Pastry Chef to Candle Maker

Tai’s journey is as colorful as the candles she crafts. Before embarking on her candle-making adventure, she dabbled in various businesses, including a T-shirt operation, a sticker shop, and even a delectable cookie venture. With a background as a pastry chef in Denver, Tai was no stranger to baking up creative delights. However, when the pandemic hit, she found herself moving back in with her parents, searching for a *creative outlet* to fill her time while figuring out her next steps.

During those still days at home, Tai picked up the art of candle making through the magic of YouTube. Her kitchen quickly turned into a workshop, filled with the scents of her newest creations, as she poured her heart and creative spirit into molding candles. At the same time, she juggled a gig as a DoorDash driver just to make ends meet while she launched her business.

Going Viral

In December 2023, everything changed. Tai shared her candle-making process on Instagram, and it quickly went viral, racking up an astonishing 13.3 million views. This massive exposure skyrocketed Clay House Candles into the spotlight, proving that social media could be more than just a pastime; it could be a *lifeline for entrepreneurs.* Tai understands this sentiment all too well and emphasizes the necessity of harnessing the power of social media in today’s business landscape.

After spending three years perfecting her craft, Tai’s distinctive candles have captivated audiences across the nation. With quirky names like *Cereal Milk*, *Cactus Flower*, *Coffee Date*, and *True Crime and Chill*, her products do more than just smell good—they tell a story that resonates with her growing fanbase.

Catering to Big Names

Tai’s business has garnered serious attention from big players. Notably, companies like Keurig and Spotify have become clients of Clay House Candles. To top it all off, even award-winning singer Alanis Morissette couldn’t resist picking up one of her candles during a visit to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. *Talk about a celestial endorsement!*

With her candles being such big hits, Tai started expanding her reach. Customers can get a whiff of her creations in-person at popular Austin spots, including the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Clover + Maven located on Springdale Road. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes, her candles are also available through her Instagram and official website.

Inspiration and Empowerment

Beyond the candles and the income, Tai Clay stands as an inspiring figure, urging others to *take chances* and embrace their uniqueness. Her entrepreneurial journey is an empowering testament to resilience and creativity. She encourages everyone to make bold moves and not shy away from the different paths life offers.

In a world filled with uncertainty, Tai’s story reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a leap of faith. So whether you’re looking to uplift your space with a new scent or are simply in need of some inspiration, Tai Clay and her Clay House Candles are a heartwarming reminder of how beautiful things can come from unexpected places.

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Additional Resources

• KVUE News
• Wikipedia: Candle Making
• Black Enterprise
• Google Search: Clay House Candles
• Culture Map Austin
• Google Scholar: Social Media Influence on Entrepreneurship
• Community Impact
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
• Austin American-Statesman
• Google News: Tai Clay Candles