RALEIGH, NC — According to Grand View Research, the global market for candles has a collective value of $12.9B with the U.S. alone taking up just over 30% of that revenue. Though the number is staggering, it’s really no surprise to know that the industry is so profitable. Candles have developed in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and customizations over the years. Some exist to add an elegant touch to a buyer’s aesthetic while others are made to be fun and gimmicky. And within this rapidly growing industry is the aromatic world of scented candles, which has given rise to a variety of independent creators. Among these hard-working candle makers is Victoria Mclean-Callaway, owner and founder of the deliciously inspired brand Vicky’s Red Velvet Cake.

Vicky’s Red Velvet Cake first launched in 2020 with a candle of the same name, and the brand has since gained steady success since its creation during those turbulent times. The collection has grown enough to now include products such as a red velvet scented carpet freshener and a similarly scented room spray. The signature smell was chosen because of Victoria’s particular fondness for the treat. “I love red velvet cake, so it just made sense to make my favorite dessert,” she says. “My husband and I came up with the name. It smells just like red velvet coming straight out of the oven. All of my customers love it and can’t get enough of it.”

Though the brand has a small following, Vicky Red Velvet Cake’s buyers are dedicated, and her catalog has repeatedly sold out. “I was shocked and surprised,” adds Victoria, recalling the first time she ever sold out, “but it let me know I had a good product and that I needed to keep going with it.” Outside of the current available catalog, there is also another project in the works for the brand: a new candle dedicated to Victoria’s late father; its name will be “The Book of James.” She has always admired what a caring, disciplined, and giving he was, and so she wanted to make a candle that truly honored his memory. “He had a lot of wisdom. This is why I called the candle ‘The Book of James’; he was filled to the brim with knowledge like an open book.”

Though the success of the business has been surprising for Victoria, it has also been incredibly encouraging. The business is a labor of love, and the owner is no stranger to hard work. When she’s not working on her candles or creating new products, Victoria also runs a full service planning agency. Building a business from the ground up always comes with its own challenges depending on the industry, but it has been fulfilling for her entrepreneurial spirit. For her, Vicky’s Red Velvet Cake’s growing popularity has been an affirming process, and she already has new ideas in her mind for products to work on after the launch of The Book of James line.

Victoria’s husband also works alongside her and has also been a proponent to her success. “It feels absolutely amazing to work with him. We’ve been married for almost 20 years. My success is his success; We’re partners for life, and we’ll make it to the top together. I love that he supports me and has been there every step of the way. I love him!” Victoria hopes to achieve 100,000 followers on Instagram within the year and build the brand to a point where she can sell a million products.

Vicky’s Red Velvet Cake launched in 2020 and is a woman- and minority-owned business. Each product is carefully handmade and boasts long-lasting and robust fresh cake smells. Brand owner Victoria Mclean-Callaway has already been featured in CanvasRebel Magazine and hopes to grow the brand’s following within the year.

To learn more about the brand, connect with Vicky’s Red Velvet Cake on Instagram or visit the official website.