From Local Favorite to Nationally Recognized Brand

The Brand

‍Hand-poured in the heart of Charleston, Charleston Candle Company transforms the spirit of the Lowcountry into scent. Each candle captures a sense of place, the salt air, the jasmine, the charm, making it a quintessential Southern lifestyle brand rooted in authenticity and craft.

The Challenge

‍While already beloved locally, Charleston Candle Company was ready to scale its story: expanding national visibility, deepening community engagement, and creating meaningful growth through both brand collaborations and customer loyalty.

The Approach

‍Wawner Strategies became an extension of the Charleston Candle team, guiding every touchpoint of their communications strategy with a balance of creativity, connection, and consistency.

• Influencer Strategy: Designed and executed influencer gifting and experiential candle-making classes to drive authentic storytelling and UGC.
  
• Community Partnerships: Cultivated collaborations with brands like Hotel Bennett, Charleston Wine + Food, and the Charleston Parks Conservancy to anchor the brand in the local ecosystem.
  
• Media Relations: Secured top-tier national press in Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Country Living, and E! News.
  
• Content & Owned Channels: Managed social media, newsletter, and blog strategy to sustain engagement and retention.
  
• Sales Enablement: Within the first week of partnership, facilitated the sale of 3,000 candles to the Charleston Visitors Bureau for a promotional roadshow in England, spotlighting both the brand and the city on an international stage.
  

The Results

‍Today, Charleston Candle Company stands as a national brand with deep community roots, growing awareness, engagement, and sales through storytelling that feels unmistakably authentic.

What They Said

“Wawner Strategies has been a driving force in advancing our business. In less than a year of collaboration, they’ve helped us forge connections with strategic brands and secure press coverage in some of the nation’s top publications. The Wawner Strategies team has gone beyond exceeding expectations, they’ve become an integral part of our team. Through the highs and lows that small businesses have faced in recent years, I can confidently say we wouldn’t be where we are today without their expertise and dedication. If you're looking for a team that truly delivers on every front, Wawner Strategies is an exceptional choice.”
— Kristen Schwiers, Founder & Co-Owner, Charleston Candle Company

The Takeaway

‍By merging national visibility with local heart, Wawner Strategies helped Charleston Candle Company grow from a Charleston staple to a household name, proof that brands rooted in place can shine on any stage.

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