Amber Baker is the creative force behind Sandy Bottom Candle Co., a coastal-inspired candle brand she launched five years ago with a mission to bottle up the essence of coastal living in a cleaner burning soy candle. What began as a hobby at home quickly turned into a full blown business. Known for its signature layer of beach sand in each jar, it is a nod to its breezy, ocean-born roots.

In 2023, Amber expanded her vision by opening up Boho Bungalow, a brick-and-mortar shop that brings together her hand-poured candles and carefully curated, locally made goods. Boho Bungalow is more than a store—it's an experience.

Amber is a passionate student of the retail world, often turning to podcasts to deepen her understanding of the industry. She believes in the power of emotional connection in retail and curates her space with that in mind—every display, scent, and shelf tells a story. Her work celebrates community, craftsmanship, and a life well-scented.

In this episode, Amber Baker shares her journey from a hobbyist candle maker to a wholesale and retail business owner. Amber dives into the challenges of balancing wholesale and retail operations, creating a unique and welcoming store experience, and supporting local artisans in a seasonal market.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who listens to and shares this podcast! If you’ve found value in our episodes and want to help us keep creating, we’ve made it easy through Buy Me a Coffee. Any contributions from $5 up to $200 help cover the real costs of podcasting—editing, hosting fees, and everything else that goes into bringing you quality content. It's a way for you to invest in the conversations and topics that matter to you. Head to buymeacoffee.com/retailwhorb, and as always, thank you for your continued support! 

What's Inside:

• Amber’s transition from the restaurant industry to launching a successful candle line and expanding into a retail storefront
• How she strategically balances wholesale accounts alongside her brick-and-mortar store and local market engagement
• Tips for finding and curating locally made goods to create a compelling and community-focused retail space

Mentioned In This Episode:
Instagram
Facebook
Sand Bottom Candle Website

Support the show