What happens when you follow your creativity, DM boldly, and let your anxiety fuel your innovation? Meet Krysten Kauder, founder of Candier—the empowering candle brand now sold at Ulta, Urban Outfitters, Barnes & Noble, and Target.com. In her first-ever podcast interview, Krysten shares how panic attacks led her home, alphabet bead bracelets opened unexpected doors, and how one wildly popular candle turned her business into a brand with national reach. From quiet leadership to joyful hustle, Krysten’s journey proves that success doesn’t need to be loud, it just needs to be real.

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After graduating from OSU in 2008, I knew I wanted to do something in fashion, but unsure in what area. Then interned at Teen Vogue, Vogue, Marc Jacobs, IMG, and more. Fell into jewelry (showroom manager at Carolee, worked a Dannijo, etc). Panic attacks sent me back home to Ohio - met my now fiancé - started making alphabet bead bracelets - 17 Mag posted them on social - I started reaching out to editors, stylists, celebs, via Instagram - got the product on GMA and Today multiple times. Our photog's boyfriend made candles and they pitched making some for us - the rest is history - the candles were so popular we decided to focus on them and drop the jewelry. We are now carried in Ulta Beauty, Urban Outfitters, Barnes and Noble, Target.com and have collaborated with Disney, Amazon Prime, Sonic, and more.

Connect with us:

Krysten Kauder Instagram

Candier Website

Candier Instagram

Work with She Built It® Media

She Built It® Instagram

She Built It® CEO, Melanie Barr Instagram

Melanie Barr LinkedIn

She Built It® LinkedIn

Building Candier with Krysten Kauder