Bells Box Collective

I was scrolling through my camera roll this morning looking for something totally unrelated and this photo from 2018 popped up. I took it in the studio almost eight years ago when Bells Box was still this tiny little idea with pink walls. Back then I was a bright eyed, bushy tailed little business owner who honestly had no idea what was in front of her… Covid, the ups and downs of running a small business, learning how to lead people, walking through infertility, becoming a mom, and raising a little boy while building something at the same time.

Seeing this photo made me pause for a sec.

Sometimes when I’m in the middle of cleaning up wax, ordering supplies, printing candle cards, restocking everything, scrubbing toilets and doing the thousand little things it takes to keep a small business running, I forget the bigger why behind this place.

Yes we pour amazing candles and yes we host parties and celebrations and the best nights, but the whole point was never really just candles. The point was always connection. Sitting around a table, laughing, talking, creating something with your hands, celebrating big things and small things and sometimes just getting out of the house for a couple hours.

With International Women’s Day here it’s also making me think about how every year as I grow in my womanhood, I feel like I understand more and more what it means to be a woman. The way we show up and the way we connect. The way we hold our families and our communities together. And right now it feels like women everywhere are carrying a lot… doing the hard work of caring for people, standing up for what’s right, raising good little humans, supporting each other and trying to keep a little light in the world even when things feel heavy. I see that strength and inspiration around our candle table all the time and it reminds me why I wanted to create this space in the first place. 💖

This little studio has held so many stories since this pic. Our pretty + clean candles are just the excuse. The real magic has always been the people sitting around the table inspiring each other. And today I’m just feeling really grateful for that!! happy IWD friends 🥰

XOXO Cory ✨

Well folks, around these parts it’s officially holiday time!

I swear the second the clock hit November my elves and I practically slid across the pink candle bar like we were starring in our own Hallmark movie. The studio is twinkly, the scents are magical, and we are ready for all the cozy chaos that makes this season feel so special.

So let’s talk about what’s in and what’s out this year around the pink studio!!

What’s OUT this year
⭐ Gross chemicals that make your head hurt
⭐ Candles you grabbed because they were on sale but secretly smell like sadness
⭐ Big box stores that forgot what charm feels like
⭐ Toxic fragrance blends that have never met a clean ingredient in their life
⭐ Holiday stress that steals your sparkle
⭐ Trying to make your house smell good with sprays that last five minutes You
⭐ Feeling like you need to have the perfect house to celebrate with your people

And now for what’s IN
⭐ Clean candles that are pretty and cozy and actually safe to burn around your babies and fur babies
⭐ Magical scents that make your home feel like your own personal Hallmark set
⭐ Hanging out with your favorite people and making memories (bonus if it’s at the pink candle bar)
⭐ Homemade charcuterie boards and fancy wine nights
⭐ BYOB at the studio with no extra charge (you know we’re cool like that)
⭐ Pouring your own holiday scent and creating a tradition your family will look forward to every year
⭐ Supporting small businesses who put their whole heart into every product
⭐ Letting yourself slow down just enough to feel the magic
⭐ Celebrating with the people who keep you inspired and laughing

We are so excited for the season ahead and for every single group, date night, girls night and team event that walks through our doors over the next couple of weeks. Catawba Ave is officially glowing, smelling fabulous, our elves are ready, and full of holiday magic!!

Come celebrate with us. Come create with us. Come get cozy with us. We cannot wait to see you. 💖💖

XOXO Cory and your Bells Box Collective team