Candle-Making at Pacific Oaks Candle Studio in Westlake Village

Last month, my daughter and I visited Pacific Oaks Candle Studio in Westlake Village to take part in a candle-making experience. With my daughter going back to college soon, I wanted to do something special with her.

First, she donned an apron and then she picked out her own candle container. Pacific Oaks Candle Studio has a variety of bowls, holders, and jars to choose from in different sizes and colors.

Chloe then chose her own scents to create a customized blend. My daughter is very particular about her scents, and it took her several minutes to smell and choose the ones she wanted.

She even picked out crystals to add a pop of color!

Liz, the owner of the Pacific Oaks Candle Studio, was so helpful with guiding my daughter through the process. It takes about 45-60 minutes to create your own custom candle. One thing to keep in mind, it takes about 4 hours for your candle to set, so be prepared to come back to pick it up. Another option is to book your candle-making experience earlier in the day, then go out to a local restaurant or do some shopping, then come back for it!

My daughter had so much fun creating a candle that I’m going to come back with my mom so that we can make our own! See the short video below to see the process.

@realmomofsfv

Last month, my daughter & I visited Pacific Oaks Candle Studio in Westlake Village to take part in a candle-making experience. She got to pick out her own container (so many candle bowls to choose from!), choose her own scents to create a customized blend, and even picked out crystals for added decorations! 🕯️ Liz, the owner of @pacific.oaks.candle, was so helpful with guiding my daughter through the process. It takes about 45-60 minutes to create your own custom candle. Keep in mind that it takes about 4 hours for your candle to set, so be prepared to come back to pick it up on another day. One option is to book your experience earlier in the day, then go out to a local restaurant or do some shopping, and then come back for it. 🛍️ My daughter had so much fun creating a candle that I’m going to come back with my mom so that we can make our own! 💕 This place is perfect for birthday parties and bridal showers. There is a back room with a dining table where you can set out drinks and charcuterie. Watch the video to the end to see how the candle turned out! Also you’ll see pics of the lovely studio, backroom (the couch and tree mural make a lovely backdrop) and also the gift shop in the front! 💻 Stay tuned for my blog post recapping the experience and my interview with Liz! #PacificOaksCandleStudio #hosted #WestlakeVillage #ConejoValley #candlemaking

♬ Blossom (Orchestral Version) – Carameii

Pacific Oaks Candle Studio is perfect for a team building experience, birthday parties, a girls’ night out, and bridal showers! There is a back room with a dining table where you can set out drinks and charcuterie. They also have a gift shop with cute items!

I LOVE the elevated DIY studio concept! Recently I had the opportunity to interview Liz Rowe and find out what inspired her to create Pacific Oaks Candle Studio.

How/why did you begin your business?

Liz: I have worked in candle and home décor product development for over 20 years for retailers and brands, and I always dreamed of starting my own business somehow. I loved the idea of being able to work directly with the people who bought my products, rather than being so removed from them as I was in my corporate product development job. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do until I visited a really cool candle studio on a girl’s trip out of state. That visit changed my life and the idea for Pacific Oaks Candle Studio was born.

As a working mother, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?

Liz: Oh my goodness, this one is hard. Obviously, your child is your number one priority, but once you open the business you have another new baby! My advice would be to take it day by day and to try not to spiral out about the push and pull from both aspects of your life as a mom and entrepreneur. Believe me though, I am not great at following my own advice! I’m constantly fretting about figuring out customer appointments vs. doing school pickup. It’s definitely a challenge.

What do you like best about having a business in the San Fernando Valley?

Liz: I lived in the San Fernando Valley for decades and loved it! I think it’s a great place to open a business since it is absolutely bustling. My business is in the Conejo Valley, because we moved out here about 7 years ago. It’s also a wonderful community and feels like it is developing into more of a hub as more and more folks move out here. There is a strong sense of community and a lot of support from other local business owners.

If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?

Liz: Before opening the business, I wish I had known that your buildout and set up for the business is going to be much higher than you anticipate! There are so many unpredictable odds and ends that come up and need fixing or need to be purchased. I think I was a little too optimistic and thought I could bring it all together under budget. Silly me!

Want to visit the candle studio and make your own custom candle? Check out their website here. Also, make sure to visit their Facebook page and Instagram to get the latest updates!

Location
Pacific Oaks Candle Studio
31143 Via Colinas
Suite 509
Westlake Village, CA 91362

Parking: The business complex offers free outdoor parking. Drive past the Italian restaurant (which offers valet), and find the candle studio towards the back, across from the 101 Escape Rooms.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I received a complimentary product which helped facilitate this review. All images are my own unless otherwise noted. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.