Wick Me | Application Preview
Wick Me is a bold, modern candle business seeking government funding to support its launch and early growth. The funds will be used to purchase essential supplies (soy wax, fragrance oils, jars, wicks, and packaging), build out branding and marketing materials, and invest in digital tools like a website and TikTok advertising to drive traffic and sales. Additional costs include Etsy fees, shipping supplies, and basic business operations.
The five-year plan focuses on growing a strong online presence through a branded website, Etsy, and TikTok. As the brand builds traction, the founder plans to expand the product line with new scents and home fragrance items, partner with boutiques and retailers, and eventually open a small studio space while hiring part-time staff. Long-term, the goal is to create a trusted, recognizable home fragrance brand with a loyal customer base and a growing wholesale business.
The brand differentiates itself with a confident, cheeky aesthetic and high-quality hand-poured soy candles made in Mississippi. Wick Me’s focus on authentic storytelling, standout packaging, and community-driven marketing gives it a distinct edge over competitors like Evil Queen or Malicious Women Co., who share a similar attitude but lack the same Southern charm and visual unity.
The founder brings hands-on dedication, a deep understanding of modern consumers, and a clear strategy for sustainable growth. With funding, Wick Me is positioned to scale efficiently and carve out a unique spot in the competitive home fragrance market.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 39-2406380
Location: Florence, MS, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
If awarded, I will use the funding to support the launch and early growth of my candle business. The funds will be used to purchase essential supplies such as soy wax, fragrance oils, jars, wicks, and packaging materials. I will also allocate part of the funding toward branding and marketing, including professional product labels, thank-you cards, and shipping inserts. Additionally, I plan to invest in website development and social media advertising, particularly on TikTok, to drive traffic and sales. A portion of the funds may also cover Etsy listing fees, shipping supplies, and basic business tools needed to manage online sales efficiently.
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Business Plan
Over the next five years, I plan to scale my candle business through strategic online growth, brand development, and product expansion. Initially, I will focus on increasing visibility and customer engagement through my website, TikTok Shop, and Etsy. As my brand presence grows, I will invest in digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising to drive consistent sales. I also plan to expand my product line with new scents, limited edition collections, and complementary home fragrance items such as wax melts and room sprays. In years 2–3, I aim to establish wholesale relationships with boutiques and gift shops, and begin attending trade shows or pop-up markets to increase exposure. By year 4–5, my goal is to operate a dedicated fulfillment space or small studio, hire part-time staff, and build a loyal customer base with recurring orders. Ultimately, I envision “Wick Me” becoming a recognizable brand in the home fragrance industry with a strong e-commerce foundation and a growing wholesale presence. Investors should invest in me because I’ve built a bold, modern brand with strong potential in a growing market. My business, Wick Me, offers high-quality, hand-poured soy candles with a cheeky, attitude-driven identity that stands out in the crowded home fragrance space. I have a clear vision, a strong brand aesthetic, and a strategic plan to grow through TikTok, Etsy, and my own website — all platforms with proven success for small product-based businesses. I’m dedicated, resourceful, and hands-on with every part of the business — from product development and branding to marketing and fulfillment. I understand today’s consumer: they want quality, personality, and authenticity — and that’s exactly what I deliver. With funding, I can scale quickly and efficiently, turning this from a small start-up into a high-demand, revenue-generating brand with a loyal following.
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Self Identified Competition
1. Evil Queen Evil Queen is a modern candle brand known for bold, sassy messaging and fun, irreverent scent names. They target a similar demographic with a strong focus on attitude and humor, which makes them a direct competitor in terms of brand tone and target audience. 2. Frostbeard Studio Frostbeard Studio sells handmade candles with a niche focus — book lovers. Their unique branding and loyal niche following show how a focused identity can build a strong customer base. They’re a competitor in terms of handmade, small-batch production and direct-to-consumer sales through Etsy and their own website. 3. Malicious Women Co. Malicious Women is known for its candles with bold, empowering, and often politically charged messages. Their strong brand identity, Etsy presence, and giftable products make them a competitor in both product style and marketing strategy. What sets Wick Me apart is the bold combination of modern attitude, premium quality, and a Southern-made soul. While many candle brands focus on being funny or aesthetic, Wick Me blends cheeky, confident branding with clean-burning, soy-based candles that actually perform. Every scent is crafted with personality and purpose — not just to smell good, but to make a statement. I also bring a unique visual identity, with cohesive, high-impact packaging and messaging designed to stand out on platforms like TikTok and Etsy. Unlike competitors, I focus heavily on storytelling and community — building a brand that’s relatable, unapologetically bold, and proudly handmade in Mississippi. That combination of authenticity, strong design, and product quality makes Wick Me more than just another candle — it’s a vibe.
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Contact Applicant
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