Keystone Inspired
Denver, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Britt: Keystone Inspired
Hi! I'm Britt, owner and maker of Keystone Inspired. Floridian, islander, recovering city girl and mountain life attempter.
My goal is to create eco-friendly and sustainable candles that bring comfort and love to everyone.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
The name Keystone Inspired comes from a lake that my Poppy lived on in Florida (Lake Keystone). I spent most weekends with him fishing, swimming, tubing, sleeping on an air mattress and running around barefoot and carefree.
I wanted my business to envoke that type of simplicity - getting back to the basics of life. After living in DC for almost 10 years, I craved time outdoors to slow down and just be. The only time I was able to take some time for myself was lighting a candle every night to be still and just breathe. I wanted to help others have those moments.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
My signature style is simplistic and comfortable. I want my products to feel warm and inviting so the person lighting them feels comforted by a safe, non-toxic environment.
I've created every part of these candles focusing on environmentally-conscious materials and hand pour each one myself. Every candle that someone receives is poured with love and intention and I hope that is felt.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
My business focuses on 100% recycled materials and sustainable ingredients. All glass jars, labels, tissue paper, boxes, packing/shipping materials are 100% recycled - even our tape is biodegradable.
I use sustainable American-grown soy, cotton, lead-free wicks, nontoxic, phthalate and sulfate-free fragrance oils made from essential oils and top all of our glass jars with seeded paper so our buyer can plant wildflowers and give back to the environment.
I also donate 10% of all purchases to MaxFund, a no-kill animal shelter in Denver.
When you purchase from us, you can be confident that you are making a difference for you, the community and the environment.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
My biggest roadblock has honestly been trusting myself to make the right decisions. As a solo, woman-owned business, I am constantly wondering if I am doing the right thing, choosing the right materials, making the right financial decisions, marketing the right way, the list goes on.
When you run and own your own business, you are the maker, purchaser, accountant, marketer, photographer, web designer, social media manager, packager, shipper, etc. It's hard to not get overwhelmed some days, but I believe in my product and know it's worth it.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid- 19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
Honestly, business came to a halt after the holidays and then COVID-19 hit. 100% of my makers markets were canceled and I make most of my sales in-person. Stockists are not restocking currently due to the state of their business and it's been hard.
I spend my time focused on outreach, testing new products, and prepping for late summer/fall markets. Switching to online sales has been tough since candles are scent driven and experiential, but I know this will pass and I continue to stay positive.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
My absolute favorite part of what I do is interacting with people at markets. There's nothing better for me than getting to know people in-person and hearing their feedback.
The best feeling in the world is watching someone smell the scent and see them close their eyes with a look of joy and comfort on their face. That is the reason I do this.
What is your *must do* local activity?
Anytime I have someone visit me in Denver, there are two activities that I plan. The first is driving out to Red Rocks Amphitheater for sunrise. There's something so peaceful about seeing the wildlife and the way that the rising sun lights up the city and surrounding landscape.
Then spending the afternoon walking around RiNo is a must. The street art and murals are phenomenal, the local eateries, breweries, cideries and distilleries are amazing and the shops are filled with local makers' products. You can also catch an awesome sunset from The Woods at the top of The Source Hotel. This is my perfect day for a local or tourist.
Where to find Keystone Inspired:
Website: https://www.keystoneinspired.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keystoneinspired/