Untamed Supply creates all-natural hand-poured candles and incense. Nature lover and Untamed Supply founder EJ Wood launched the business in 2015, with the goal to bring some of the great outdoors indoors. Each candle is poured with renewable soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and lead-free cotton wicks. Not only does Untamed Supply create their candles using eco-friendly practices, they give back by donating 3% of profits to the National Parks.

What led you to start Untamed Supply?

It is my love for the outdoors, my desire for adventure, and my need to connect with Mother Nature that lead to the creation of Untamed Supply.

Tell me about the ingredients you use and the eco-friendly business practices.

We like to keep things simple, clean, and non-toxic by using 100% domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, cotton-core wicks, no additives or dyes. We wick, pour, and label each candle by hand to ensure unparalleled quality. Mother Nature is our church and we believe it is our duty to honor and preserve our environment.

What inspires the scents?

Inspiration comes in many forms, but more often than not, it comes from a place of nostalgia. A desire to encapsulate the feeling I once felt while spending time in nature.

What do you think of as the essential scents of the holidays?

Fraser Fir reminds me of my childhood Christmases.

Cinder encapsulates the feeling of sitting in front of a warm fire in your living room.

Chai & Spice is everything irresistible about autumn all wrapped up in one scent.

Where do you start when creating a new scent?

Because each scent is so original, it’s never quite the same process, but that’s what makes the scents so unique because they all start and end in a different place.

Why do you give back to National Parks?

Being outside brings me so much clarity and calmness. Nature has always been my church; it makes you feel so small in the best kind of way. I want nature to be available to those who come after me so they can experience nature on their terms. I feel that donating 3% of profit to the National Parks is a small thing I can do to help make sure the parks are around for all to enjoy.

What challenges have you faced along your journey as a small business owner?

You face something new every day, but I’ve simply learned to view everything as a lesson and not a challenge.

What have been some highlights since you founded the company?

Honestly, when the first order from Made in KC was placed, it really put everything into perspective that my product was something people wanted. I’m proud of the growth that I have experience over the lifespan of the business. This summer I was able to travel to New York to show my line and that to me is a highlight.

What advice would you share with someone looking to start a business of their own?

Everything is temporary. What you learn today will make tomorrow easier.

How does being based in KC impact your business?

Kansas City simply understands what a benefit it is to support local and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. In terms of logistics, being centrally located makes shipping and traveling much easier!

What do you find special about Kansas City’s maker community?

There isn’t any competitive attitude or approach in the small business community, it feels like there is a support network as opposed to competition.