When life presented challenges, Nikki Allen turned to creativity, founding The Happy Elephant, a unique candle-making business in Troy, IL.
Finding Inspiration During Uncertainty
In 2020, Nikki’s career in hospitality came to an abrupt halt due to the pandemic. During this downtime, she stumbled upon information about the harmful chemicals in big-brand candles and decided to explore making her own. With a starter kit from Amazon, she began experimenting in her kitchen, creating candles for friends and family. To her surprise, people loved them and even wanted to buy them!
By October 2020, Nikki sold her first candles to strangers at a pumpkin patch event. “It was a lightbulb moment,” Nikki recalls. “Strangers exchanging money for my candles showed me the potential of this dream.”
How The Happy Elephant Got Its Name
The journey to naming her business was a challenging but meaningful one. Nikki wanted something that would reflect the joy and positivity her candles bring without being too obvious. She also wanted to avoid directly including the word “candle” in the name.
Sitting at the kitchen table one night, brainstorming with her husband, Nikki decided the name had to include the word “happy.” It perfectly reflected the feelings she wanted her customers to experience. A lifelong animal lover, Nikki also wanted the name to incorporate her affection for animals. After tossing around a few ideas, her husband suggested an elephant. Nikki loved it.
“I’ve always admired elephants—not in an over-the-top way, but I do love them,” Nikki explains. “And just like that, The Happy Elephant was born!”
The name not only captures the essence of joy but also represents Nikki’s personality and love for nature, making it a perfect fit for her brand.
Creating More Than Just Candles
Nikki’s approach to candle-making is anything but ordinary. She combines premium, toxin-free ingredients with creativity, crafting candles that evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy. Each candle is adorned with unique toppings, and the scents are designed to tell a story.
The Candle-Making Experience: Fun, Custom, and Unique
The Happy Elephant isn’t just about selling candles—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. Nikki has designed DIY candle-making workshops where guests can unleash their creativity. Here’s how it works:
- Choose Your Vessel: Guests start by selecting from approximately 20 unique candle vessels. Options range from sleek, minimalist designs to colorful, seasonal selections.
- Pick Your Scent: Next, participants select their preferred scent from a curated menu of 20 fragrances. Seasonal and year-round options ensure there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer cozy vanilla or refreshing citrus.
- Create Your Candle: Each participant receives a supply tray with a wax pitcher, stir spoon, copper jigger for measuring scent, and a timer. They pour and mix their candle with guidance from Nikki and her team, ensuring every step is enjoyable and stress-free.
- Add Personal Touches: Once the candles cure (a process that takes 45 minutes to an hour), guests can add the final touches. From glitter and charms to beads and decorative accents, the customization options are endless.
- Relax and Explore: While the candles cure, guests can enjoy The Happy Elephant’s inviting atmosphere, snap Instagram-worthy photos, enjoy a drink, and browse a charming selection of locally-made goods in the shop.
“It’s more than just making a candle—it’s about creating a keepsake that brings joy,” Nikki says.
Charlotte: The Beloved Shop Dog
No visit to The Happy Elephant would be complete without meeting Charlotte, Nikki’s friendly and playful shop dog. A mixed-breed rescue, Charlotte has become a beloved fixture of the shop. Customers often rave about her charm, and many return just to see her.
“She’s perfect for this role,” Nikki says with a smile. “Charlotte greets everyone at the door with excitement and even prances around the shop to make sure everyone feels welcome.”
Charlotte’s presence adds to the cozy, joyful atmosphere of The Happy Elephant, making it feel like more than just a store—it’s a place of connection and warmth.
Troy IL the Home of The Happy Elephant
Nikki chose Troy as the home for The Happy Elephant to stay close to family and connect with her community. The shop itself, housed in a 150-year-old renovated building, is a testament to Nikki’s dedication. The space, once dilapidated, now shines as a welcoming and vibrant hub for creativity and connection.
Celebrating Happy Moments
At its heart, The Happy Elephant is about spreading joy. Nikki’s tagline, “Life’s about happy moments,” perfectly encapsulates her mission. Whether through candles or workshops, Nikki aims to create a space where people can celebrate life’s little joys.
If you’re looking for a unique gift or a fun outing, The Happy Elephant offers something truly special. Don’t forget to say hello to Charlotte while you’re there—she’ll be waiting with a wagging tail.
