Our Story
Since 2012, I’ve dedicated myself to special education, primarily working with students at the Transition level who have medical fragility or severe, multiple, and complex disabilities. These amazing individuals have not only taught me about themselves but also about the gaps in our society. Two glaring voids stood out to me: meaningful employment and social opportunities. It was this realization that sparked the creation of Empower Candle Company.
For me, meaningful employment goes beyond a paycheck; it’s about contributing to society in any way we can. Traditional job searches often focus on fitting into predefined roles, but I wanted to flip that idea. At Empower Candle Company, we see the unique strengths each person can bring to our team and will tailor roles to individual skills — like Smell Testers, Jar Preppers, Sales, Social Media, Inventory, and Packing to fit them. This way, we harness the potential of each individual, making our company stronger and more inclusive.
I’ve always felt a calling to make a difference, maybe that is what led me to teaching. Throughout my journey, incredible mentors and students have shaped my worldview and fueled my desire to do more. While some of my greatest influences are no longer with us, their happiness and kindness continue to inspire me every day. I hope that through Empower Candle Company, we can honor their legacy by creating a better world for those we serve.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished already and excited for what lies ahead. As a proud, LGBT-owned, Tacoma-local business, we are committed to being an inclusive space for all. Plus, our products smell pretty damn good too! 😀
Nep
Founder