Sherry Jefferson – Flirty Flame Candle Company

When Sherry Jefferson thinks back on her childhood in Athens, Alabama, one memory shines brighter than most: the tradition of birthday candles. Her mother always made sure each of her children had a candle glowing on top of their birthday treat. This small act became a family tradition. Even after her mother passed away in 2014, Sherry and her siblings continued the tradition of mailing candles across state lines to celebrate one another’s birthdays.

In 2020, the pandemic almost led to ending their tradition, but Sherry had an idea. “Have no fear,” she told her siblings, “I’ll make the candles this year.” What began as a way to keep her family’s memory alive sparked a much bigger flame. That spark became Flirty Flame Candle Company, a North Alabama business built on community and the power of fragrance to unlock forgotten memories.

At first, Sherry laughed at herself. “I’m not a candle person,” she admitted. But as she experimented with scents, she realized fragrance was something she cherished. One whiff of sweet pipe tobacco brought her back to her grandfather’s lap, watching Alabama football games. Honeysuckle instantly transported her to her grandmother’s backyard.

Those moments fueled her passion. Sherry began sharing her candles at farmer’s markets, vendor fairs, and through a mobile candle bar at community events. Soon, people in Athens recognized her on the street as “the candle lady.”

Since then, her business has grown. She now also offers wax melts, room sprays, reed diffusers, and body oils. At every step, her goal of creating quality products that spark joy and memories has remained the same.

In 2023, Sherry heard about the Singing River Trail Launch Tank Competition. With encouragement from her daughter, she applied and was accepted as a finalist. Sherry got on stage and pitched her idea for a mobile candle bar that could bring fragrance and fun directly to her community. The experience wasn’t without its challenges. On competition day, her presentation was interrupted by a malfunctioning clicker. “I can’t believe I was taken out of this competition by a clicker!” she recalled. But she persevered, leaning on the encouragement she’d received from the Launch Box team in Athens and the confidence she had built while preparing. When the winners were announced, Sherry’s name was called for first place. She was stunned. “I could not believe I won, after all of that!”

For Sherry, the Launch Tank competition provided her prize money, amplified her business, gave her confidence. “It gave me the push I needed to make myself more visible in the community,” she said. “The resources and encouragement from the Launch Box team and the Chamber of Commerce were monumental.”

The exposure led to new opportunities. Her products have been displayed in storefront windows downtown, she’s participated in speaking engagements, and she has gained partnerships with local organizations.

Today, Sherry remains passionate about making her community even better as an ambassador for the Singing River Trail. She continues to grow her product line, testing wooden wick candles, soaps, and all-purpose cleaners. She also gives back to her community, hosting events like Candles, Cocktails, and Cowgirls to raise money for local scholarships.

Through it all, she’s guided by advice from her grandmother: “Find something you love to do and figure out a way to get paid for it. You’ll always have a job.” Launch gave Sherry the tools, visibility, and confidence to grow Flirty Flame Candle Company, but it was her determination, creativity, and focus that kept the flame alive. As Sherry puts it: “I don’t know exactly where we’re going next, but I do know this — I’m going to enjoy the ride. And it’s going to be lit.”

Learn more about Flirty Flame Candle Company