Hello, everyone! My name is Kendra, and I’m the founder of Ivy & Elm. This is my first blog post, so I’m excited (and a little curious) to see how it resonates. Moving forward, I’ll dive into more engaging topics, but for now, I want to start by sharing how Ivy & Elm came to life.
I always knew I wanted to run a business, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like. I envisioned creating an inclusive, curated experience for everyone to enjoy, but I hadn’t quite figured out the specifics. During COVID, I launched a brand called Sassy Honey, which focused on lingerie and loungewear for plus-size women. However, I soon realized that it wasn’t where my passion lay, especially since Rihanna was already dominating that space.
Sassy Honey was built on the principle of inclusivity—encouraging women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds to feel sexy and confident. I wanted to challenge the negative perceptions tied to body dysmorphia and help reframe how women view themselves. While the concept was strong and the brand performed well, I faced obstacles I wasn’t mentally prepared to handle, and my focus eventually shifted.
That’s when I discovered candle-making and, briefly, fitness apparel. Candle-making quickly became therapeutic for me! I’ll be honest—I wasn’t very good at it initially. There was so much to learn: from mastering fragrance mixing to understanding flash points, oil-to-wax ratios, cure times, and the ideal pour temperature. There was a lot of trial and error, and I wasted some money along the way. But eventually, it all started to come together, and I was so proud of my progress that I decided to stop focusing on fitness apparel altogether. I donated all my remaining inventory and never looked back.
Since stepping away from clothing, I’ve gone through several rebrands—from Sassy Honey to Illume Essentials, then Alume Essentials (because Illume was taken), and finally, Ivy & Elm. The name Ivy & Elm holds deep personal meaning for me. Indoor ivy is known for its healing properties, such as removing toxins from the air and offering antioxidant benefits. Meanwhile, the elm tree, with its graceful, fountain-like branches and flexible but strong bark, purifies the soil, air, and water around it. Both symbolize healing and strength, which are central themes of my brand.
Ivy & Elm is all about healing, resetting your mental health, indulging in self-care, and getting yourself back on track so you can be your best self. When you light one of my candles, I want the stress of the day to melt away with each breath. My hope is to provide a sense of relaxation, peace, and tranquility through every candle I make and every wick you light.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope to continue bringing joy and comfort into your lives, one candle at a time. Be blessed!
-Kendra Cornelius