Sometimes we wish for the stars to align so our dreams come true. Other times, though, the stars align without us even realizing it, at least not until much later. You might say that’s what happened when a local organization encouraged young people in Creston, Iowa, to build their entrepreneurial skills by creating and selling their products at its annual mini-market. Estella Jondle was one of those young Iowans who decided to join in, and if you believe in fate, the stars aligned. Only a few years later, she and her mom, Erin, have built Stellar Sparks Candle Co. into one of the best small businesses in Iowa.

On one Saturday each spring for the last three years, Upper Creston’s Main Street has transformed into a hub of activity, as aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs come together to sell their products, from one-of-a-kind handmade goods to inspired artistic pieces, at Market on Maple.

Little did Estella and Erin know, as they made more than 80 candles with the help of Erin’s mom and sister, that every one of them would sell out at the community event in 2022. The success inspired the mother-daughter duo to found Stellar Sparks Candle Co. not long after.

But before Stellar Sparks Candle Co. could make its official debut, Erin spent countless hours building a foundation by testing candles, designs, and branding while Estella created what might be called the small business’s signature candle.

“Our whole vibe is designed around Estella. Her name means star, which inspired the name. Our designs and decor always have stars in them,” Erin says. “And the candle that Estella came up with, called Stellar Magic, has the fragrance oils of Galactic Skies and Cosmic Berry. It all aligns."

During its short lifespan, the small business's production has grown with the women now making as many as 100 candles each week. The duo attends local events, like the annual Market on Maple, where they sell their candles. Several local shops, including Crystals and Wood in Upper Creston, also stock them.

As Stellar Sparks Candle Co.’s visibility continues to grow, so do its contributions to the community. In addition to donating gift baskets to local fundraisers, the small business in Iowa helps other small businesses design candles for their customers.

Anyone who’s started a business knows that its success hinges on the support of others, and Erin credits her mom, the community, and customers for Stellar Sparks Candle Co.’s growth.

“My mom plays a huge role in our success. She is available to help us out on just about anything, and she has the most creative knack for making gift baskets,” Erin says. “The support of our small town and other local small business owners is beyond amazing. We have found that small businesses fight for and support each other hard.”

Having the unique opportunity to share stories and connect with customers is also part of what drives Erin, who is currently running Stellar Sparks Candle Co. as a side venture. She channels her creativity to design unique candles and help customers find the perfect gift.

But at the heart of Stellar Sparks Candle Co. in Iowa is family – from having the opportunity to work with Estella, whom Erin describes as her “little bestie" and her mom, to honoring the memory of her beloved father, Bob Hudek, who died from cancer in 2012. She created the 808 Rocks Candle in his honor.

“One evening when my brother, sister, and I were on our way home from visiting him in the hospital, we all looked at the digital clock at 8:08. On a digital clock, that looks like BOB. The station we were listening to was a rock station, so the digital display looked like BOB ROCKS,” Erin says. “From then on, the time 8:08 became very special to us.”

The response to the candle has been overwhelmingly positive and it, perhaps more than anything, illustrates just what makes Stellar Sparks Candle Co. so special. “I get to share my memories of him with [others], and inevitably, we learn something heartfelt from our customers, too, about their lives,” she says, "and that to me is true human connection and deeper than the candle itself.”

Many thanks to owners Estella and Erin Jondle for sharing the story and history of Stellar Sparks Candle Co. for the 2024 Small Business Spotlight series. Learn more and support this inspiring Iowa candle company by visiting the Stellar Sparks Candle Co. Facebook page.

Of course, Stellar Sparks Candle Co. is one of many amazing businesses in Iowa that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Iowa, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Iowa on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.