My name is Rita Matullo and I am the owner and creator of Soy&SoulWicks. My inspiration for this company comes from my life experiences, a bunch of soy wax, and a ton of SOUL! Each candle is hand-poured, using ethically sourced soy wax derived from U.S. grown soybeans. Music has been a huge inspiration for me and inspires my creativity. The soundtrack of my life is mainly inspired by my Dad. I lost my father on March 31, 2020 to a death unrelated to COVID-19 during the pandemic. This propelled my deep dive into a productive use of my time and a conscious effort to take my well-being into my own hands. Psychologists have published studies relating scents to memories and emotions. I came upon soy wax and loved it for its natural properties. Candle making became a way for me to release my emotions and anxiety. Fast forward a few months, I had suggestions to start selling my candles. I was scared but decided to take the leap. It made me feel alive again. The more I learned, the more excited I became. I’m still reading and learning every day trying to perfect this craft. I know the feeling of lighting a candle and being able to let go of all the stress from the day. Knowing that I could create a product that is helpful to others, makes me so happy. I have started a small business which I would have never imagined. My Dad always had hopes of us opening a business together, where my brother and I would then take it over when he got old. He had huge dreams that never gave up and I was always a little scared. I like to think of this as ours. Every time I light a candle, it burns for him. I hope you will all enjoy them as much as I do. Thank you for your continued support!