This Chapter Is Coming to a Close

If you're reading this, I am insanely grateful.

Whether you've been here since Wanderlust Fragrance Therapy, found Healing Honu somewhere along the way, stopped by one of my farmers markets, purchased a candle, or simply followed my journey online, you've been part of this story.

After six years of building this business by hand, I've decided to retire the products.

This wasn't an easy decision.

It also wasn't one single moment.

It was hundreds of small moments that slowly pointed me in the same direction.

It Started With a Dream and a Headache

When I started this business, I wanted to create more than candles.

I wanted to create moments.

Every scent was chosen with intention and so it didnt cause you to get an immediate headache like that one candle store at the mall. I wanted it to be an experience. 

The Healing Crystal Candles became my proudest work. Each candle was paired with a carefully selected crystal, a curated playlist, and a crackling wooden wick so the experience engaged more than one sense. I wanted people to smell, hear, see, and eventually hold something that reminded them to slow down and care for themselves.

Looking back, I'm still incredibly proud of what I created but when another small business copied the collection almost piece for piece, it broke something in me creatively.

Instead of fighting for it, I quietly stopped creating it. Looking back, I realize I let someone else's actions silence something I was deeply proud of.

Then Life Changed

Running a small business became harder every year.

The cost of wax more than doubled.

Shipping became more expensive.

Markets that once felt accessible became increasingly difficult to justify. $300 for a booth at a market ? WHAT?

Then, 3 months ago, my laser stopped working and now its has been three months and its time to make a decision.

At the same time, I realized that the biggest obstacle wasn't always the business itself.

Sometimes...

It was ME (its me, hi, im the problem its ME)

Living with Bipolar II, PTSD, depression, and years of imposter syndrome made it difficult to keep showing up consistently. I have products that have been finished for months, some for nearly a year! Not because they weren't ready, but because I convinced myself they weren't good enough.

For a long time, I believed everyone else deserved success more than I did.

Somewhere Along the Way...

I also realized something else.

I had fallen out of love with the pressure.

The constant need to create.

The never ending need to post on socials or people forget you exist.

To sell.

To keep up.

The joy that first inspired Healing Honu slowly became overshadowed by the pressure of running a business.

That's not how I want to create anymore.

What Comes Next ...

One thing I want to be clear about:

I'm retiring this collection.

I'm not pretending to know exactly what comes next.

Maybe Healing Honu will look different someday.

Maybe it won't.

Right now, I simply know that I need to make space for whatever comes next instead of holding onto something that no longer feels aligned with where and who I am today.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is admit we don't have the whole plan yet.

Thank You

Between now and the end of the year, every remaining candle, perfume, soap, room spray, and handcrafted piece will be available until it's gone.

If you've ever wanted something from Healing Honu, this is your opportunity to give one of these handmade pieces a home.

And if purchasing something isn't possible, that's okay too.

Sharing my work, following along, or simply being here means more than you know.

Thank you for believing in my work over the last six years.

I truly hope these creations continue bringing comfort long after they leave my studio.

With gratitude,

Angeline