Beating the Blues during this Holiday Season: Sharing My Personal Battle and What I Did To Fight
Feeling the Holiday Blues? You’re Not Alone.
The holidays are filled with glitter and cheer, but for many, they can also bring waves of loneliness, grief, or the weight of depression. I’ve been there—stuck in the darkness, searching for even the smallest flicker of light. For me, that light came through candle-making, a simple act that grew into Lux+Soul.
Today, I see that same light in others, like the woman who told me she’d been battling depression in her bed for weeks until she came across Candles + Cocktails. She made it her first step to reclaim her joy—and now, she’s a thriving business owner.
This season, let’s make healing and connection part of the celebration. Whether it’s lighting a Lux+Soul candle to lift your mood, creating your own oasis with aromatherapy, or joining us for a night of fellowship at Candles + Cocktails, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Let’s light the way forward—together.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but let’s be honest—sometimes they feel heavy. For many of us, the twinkling lights and festive music can’t quite cover the ache of grief, loneliness, or the weight of depression. I know this firsthand because I’ve been there.
My Journey: From Darkness to Light
A few years ago, I found myself battling a deep depression. It was a season of my life when getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain. I questioned my worth, my purpose, and even whether my passions mattered anymore. But in that darkness, I found something that sparked a glimmer of hope: candle-making.
What started as a simple act of creation—a small effort to focus on something outside of my pain—became my lifeline. Lux+Soul was born out of those moments. Each candle I poured represented light, warmth, and a step forward. Over time, what began as a healing outlet became a business that now serves as a source of comfort and connection for so many others.
Candles + Cocktails: A Space for Healing and Joy
It’s amazing how sharing my love for candle-making has turned into something so meaningful for others. Candles + Cocktails isn’t just a workshop; it’s an experience. It’s a night to treat yourself, connect with others, and rediscover the joy of creating.
One client’s story still gives me chills. She told me she had been battling depression, stuck in bed for three weeks, feeling like the walls were closing in. Then she saw an ad for Candles + Cocktails and decided to make it her first step toward reclaiming her life. That night, she poured her first candle, laughed with strangers who became friends, and walked away with something she made herself—a symbol of hope. Today, she’s a thriving entrepreneur in the local bath and body products market, and we still cheer each other on at events.
Moments like these remind me why I started Lux+Soul. It’s more than a business; it’s a ministry of light and love.
Aromatherapy: Soothe Your Spirit
If you’ve ever lit a candle or sprayed a room mist and felt an instant wave of calm, you’ve experienced the power of aromatherapy. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and vanilla are more than pleasant; they calm your nervous system and lift your mood.
At Lux+Soul, our candles and room sprays are crafted with these benefits in mind. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful sanctuary at home or set the mood for a cozy evening, these products are more than decorations—they’re tools for self-care.
Fighting Depression: Build Your Support Team
As someone who’s walked through the darkness of depression, I know it’s not something you can fight alone. I can’t stress enough the importance of building your own team of professionals—therapists, doctors, and counselors—who can guide you through the hard days.
But beyond professional help, find your tribe. Whether it’s family, friends, or even a community event like Candles + Cocktails, lean into spaces that make you feel seen and supported.
Grieving During the Holidays
For those of us grieving loved ones, the holidays can feel like a cruel reminder of who’s missing. My advice? Honor their memory in ways that bring you comfort. Light a candle in their name, journal about your favorite memories, or create new traditions that celebrate their legacy.
And don’t forget to give yourself grace. It’s okay to feel sad, to opt out of big gatherings, or to simply sit in quiet reflection.
Why Lux+Soul?
Lux+Soul isn’t just about candles—it’s about creating moments of peace and connection in a chaotic world. Whether you’re battling the holiday blues or simply looking for a way to relax and recharge, we’re here for you.
From our lovingly crafted products to our Candles + Cocktails workshops, we aim to be a source of light in your life. So, as the holidays approach, I invite you to treat yourself. Join us for an evening of fellowship and creativity, or explore our products to find the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love.
Together, let’s face the season with confidence, connection, and a little extra light.
Explore Lux+Soul’s collections and upcoming events at www.shopluxsoul.com.
You’re not alone, and you’re stronger than you know. Let’s light the way forward—together.
Welcome to Lux+Soul Candle Co Blog: How To Have A Summer of Self Care
Indulge in a Summer of Self-Care with Lux+Soul! Discover our latest blog filled with five incredible ways to prioritize self-care this season. From creating daily rituals to prioritizing sleep and connecting with loved ones, our simple yet effective tips will help you recharge and rejuvenate. Plus, explore the power of our handcrafted candles to enhance your self-care experience. Dive into our Summer of Self-Care campaign now!
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, recharge, and prioritize self-care, especially for those with busy schedules. Whether you're a teacher, service worker, stay-at-home parent, or remote worker, taking care of yourself is essential for overall well-being. At Lux+Soul Candle Co, we believe in enhancing your self-care routine with the soothing ambiance of our handcrafted candles. Here are five simple and effective ways to practice self-care this summer:
1. Create a Daily Ritual: Start your day with a mindful ritual that sets a positive tone. Whether it's sipping your morning coffee or tea while enjoying the flicker of a Lux+Soul candle or spending a few minutes journaling, carve out time for yourself before diving into your daily responsibilities.
2. Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for your physical and mental health. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine by dimming the lights, unwinding with a book or gentle stretching, and filling your space with the calming scent of Lavender Vanilla or Eucalyptus Mint candles from Lux+Soul Candle Co.
3. Get Outside: Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather by spending time outdoors. Whether it's a leisurely walk in nature, a picnic at the park, or simply lounging in your backyard, connecting with nature can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate moments of mindfulness into your day, even amidst a busy schedule. Take short breaks to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply pause and appreciate the present moment. Pair these moments with the gentle glow of a Lux+Soul candle to create a serene atmosphere.
5. Connect with Loved Ones: Summer is the perfect time to nurture relationships and connect with loved ones. Whether it's scheduling a virtual coffee date with a friend, planning a family BBQ, or enjoying a romantic evening with your partner, prioritize quality time with those who uplift and support you.
Incorporating Candles into Your Summer of Self-Care:
At Lux+Soul Candle Co, we believe that candles can enhance your self-care experience by creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Our hand-poured soy candles are made with love and attention to detail, using premium fragrance oils to evoke a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for a summer gathering, our candles are the perfect companion for your self-care journey.
Embrace the spirit of summer by prioritizing self-care and indulging in moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. With the simple tips above and the soothing glow of Lux+Soul candles, you can create a summer filled with serenity, balance, and inner peace. Happy self-caring!
Lux+Soul in Peru!
Lakeisha Sharpley, owner of Lux+Soul, enjoying the view of the mountains in the village of Misminay (Peru).
Peru owes me nothing! So here’s a little background of my latest adventure. I was selected as an NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow in 2019 right before COVID. I was one of 43 teachers chosen across the country to represent their state. It was such a huge honor. I was so surprised that I, a dance teacher at a middle school, was chosen to represent Arkansas! Humbling!!! We were set to do a field study in the summer of 2020 but it was postponed due to the pandemic. We were finally able to make our big trip this month and it was 10 days of life changing experiences! Lima, Cusco, the town of Misminay, Macchu Pichu and the Sacred Valley, the food, the people, the beautiful landscapes and of course the amazing culture and history…mind blowing! This video is a very small snippet of my adventure. I was able to grab a few beautiful treasures at the markets of Cusco that I will be featuring on the website! Hit that notifications button for first notice of the Peruvian candle collection coming soon! See video here: Lux in Peru
I’m So Excited About Being A Business Owner!
Dance has been my whole life...hobby, career, past time, you name it. COVID forced me to reflect and make the decision to step outside of my comfort zone and create something different.
Dance has been my whole life...hobby, career, past time, you name it. COVID forced me to reflect and make the decision to step outside of my comfort zone and create something different. I love candles. I looked around my home and saw so many empty candle vessels in my home and since many of my fave stores were closed at one point and I was too scared to leave my home, I ventured into making my own. They turned out amazing! As I continued to create and also succumb to the norm of being at home all the time, I learned to enjoy my own space. It’s amazing what a good candle, cute pajamas, and a pretty wine glass of your fave wine or a stylish mug of you fave tea could do to you! My life was sooooo busy that I lost myself and sense of self care. Lux+Soul was created based upon my life...a busy soul who wants to take time to reset and enjoy their own space...to create a haven of self care so that you can recharge and then go back out to conquer the world. If you’re that person, take a look at my website www.shopluxsoul.com and tell me what you think. I hope to be apart of your journey of self care and self love...it would be an honor !