The Start of H31

Full-time employee, Mom of TWO (littles). Almost 30. and somehow ... building a brand when most people start earlier. Why?

The Season of Rediscovery

Starting House of Thirty-First wasn't a business decision - it was a heart decision. Ever since I became a Mom, I struggled with the feeling that I was losing pieces of myself in the busyness of life. Motherhood, work, expectations and the constant pressure to "do it all" because of society standards right?

I've always been the type of woman who does a little bit of everything - baking, gardening, crafting, homemaking and a dozen little passions that make me.. me. But as life became a lot more busy it seemed all those pieces of me began to fade and I missed ME. I fill everyone else's cup but always seem to forget mine. This is the season where I rediscover myself. 


Where It All Started

Initially the House of Thirty-First started as stationary (vinyl stickers, magnets, bookmarks, etc.). Little items that I use daily but I didn't feel that was the direction I truly wanted to go.

I've always been a home fragrance lover. My storage area was filled with boxes of candles, wax melts, diffusers ... you name it, just waiting to be used. But, I found myself becoming more sensitive to those products I had purchased from big name stores. We made a final decision to axe them once our first child had arrived because if it was harming us, what is it doing to a new baby? For 3 years (2022-2025) I had been completely out of the loop on home fragrance, always passing by the stores with great deals in the mall because "it's just too much" for me.

For my birthday in May, I spoiled myself with a 7oz single-wick soy candle not really knowing what I would experience. The air never felt heavy, no nausea or headache.. my world had been changed. I went on to try a few more from other small businesses. After taking a shot myself at crafting a few at home that's when I knew -- this is the direction the House of Thirty-First was always meant to take. 


Where We Are

The House of Thirty-First is officially 4 months old as of November. At first, I can say I struggled to be myself, I didn't think anyone would want to purchase from a brand that was associated with Spooky. But once I let that side come out, I can finally feel myself "getting my pink back" (or black to be more fitting). For me, I've fallen in love with every part of the process- not just for candles, but for everything I make. From the research, understanding how each ingredient is derived or sourced, to make sure it's truly a clean alternative, shopping, testing and creating. I enjoy it all. And in the end knowing that someone loves the final result .. that's what truly makes me happy. 


I can't express how grateful I am to everyone who has taken a leap of faith and wandered into my little corner of shadows, even with me being the new ghoul on the block. I'm eager to see what the future holds and what new products will join the lineup.