Light While: Doing What You Love
I go by the gaming tag "Magnus," though my real name is Michael. The year 2020 cast me into a deep depression. Much like many others, I lost my career, my sense of self, and the ability to enjoy my favorite hobbies due to the pandemic. As a community leader, my expertise revolved around bringing people together for in-person events. I even had "the get-together house," a place with a pool and a fire pit where friends gathered on warm days. Hosting was my passion, and it felt like an integral part of my identity. Losing these priorities and everything I identified with overnight left me bedridden for days on end.
In an effort to overcome this, my therapist suggested I engage in a creative activity every day and reconnect with my inner child. Scouring the internet, I stumbled upon a listing selling old candle-making equipment and 20 pounds of wax for $80. Armed with these rickety tools, Skillshare, and YouTube tutorials, I embarked on a new hobby. I promised myself to create something every single day, even if it meant foregoing a walk or a shower. This commitment was my lifeline during my depression, slowly guiding me back to a place of mental wellness.
Simultaneously, my social skills lay dormant, and I yearned for an outlet. This is when I discovered Twitch, which allowed me to entertain people, Discord for socializing, and the captivating world of Final Fantasy XIV. I was amazed by how my gaming nights with friends became just as special as those by the fire or pool. I eventually forged great friendships from across the U.S., Brazil, and the U.K. It felt as though they were right there with me.
As I began running out of candle ideas and my unemployment checks neared their end, a fascinating idea dawned on me. What if I created candles that encapsulated the scents of the gaming worlds I loved so much?
I longed for the nostalgia of poolside hangouts with friends, the scent of wine coolers and beer, chlorine, and sunscreen. The voices of my gaming friends couldn't fully immerse me in the game's world.
I delved into essential oils, aiming to mimic the scents of vegetation. I spent hours studying the game's landscapes, diving deep into its lore, and identifying unique elements in each region.
I tried to explain it to friends and I kept saying "It's a candle. I made it... um... it smells like the game, you light it while playing the game in specific maps." Other friends started saying "He makes candles that you light while playing Final Fantasy."
When I decided I was going to open a store on Etsy, I typed my business name in and deleted it 20 times, and I consulted with my partner- He said "Ok, what is your goal?" and I said "I want to make candles you light while doing something you love.'"
That's when I typed out "Light While" Candle Company. The rest, as they say, is history, and hopefully, the future too.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me bring joy to people who, like me, seek a brief escape from the world. Connecting people with the lands and characters they adore is a profound privilege, and your support helps me achieve that. Never underestimate how being in the world you want to be in can help you navigate the world we live in.
I hope my creations bring you joy and that you use them to light up moments that are just for you, because you truly deserve it!
Magnus
