How Tariffs Changed My Business: Why Now Is the Time to Shop Our Final Candle Clearance Sale

The Moment Everything Changed

There are moments in business that change everything. For me, one of those moments started with a headline — rising tariffs. I didn’t know it at the time, but that ripple in global trade would become the catalyst that reshaped not just my company, but my entire creative direction.

As the founder of BYC Home Décor & Candles, I had spent years building a brand focused on comfort, wellness, and meaningful home rituals. But what happens when the cost of your raw materials, packaging, and delivery skyrockets overnight? What do you do when a business you’ve poured your heart into becomes unsustainable?

You pivot — and you pivot fast.

The True Cost of Tariffs for Small Businesses

When whispers of tariffs began circulating, my suppliers reacted immediately. Candle wax, jars, wicks, fragrance oils — everything jumped in price. And it wasn’t just a few cents. It was enough to force me to revisit every invoice, rethink every marketing strategy, and question how long I could realistically keep my margins afloat.

When you’re a small business, there’s no corporate cushion to soften the blow. Every extra dollar comes out of your pocket. Every change in shipping costs or customs delays directly impacts your ability to serve your customers and stay profitable.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Natural Disasters

I considered switching to alternative manufacturers. But with so much global uncertainty, it felt like playing whack-a-mole with suppliers. Would the new ones also be affected? Would quality suffer? Would customers notice the shift? Suddenly, the most logical move wasn’t to keep scrambling — it was to shift my entire approach.

As I was navigating the financial squeeze, wildfires hit California — the state where one of my key home décor suppliers was located. Their operations slowed to a crawl. Fulfillment delays became the norm, and shipping costs surged yet again. Between packaging increases, weather-related production issues, and new tariffs, my business model was being stretched beyond its limits.

It no longer made sense to continue the way I was. I had to admit that maintaining consistent quality and timely delivery was no longer something I could guarantee. The cracks in the foundation were showing and fast.

Closing BYC: The Hardest but Smartest Decision

After five incredible years of building BYC, I made the hardest decision I’ve ever made: to dissolve the business effective June 1, 2025.

But here’s the part I hope every creative and small business owner can take to heart letting go of a product-based business doesn’t mean letting go of your purpose. I knew I had something valuable to offer — I just needed a new vehicle to deliver it.

From Products to Purpose: Launching Wright Positive Films

That’s when I decided to return to my creative roots. As an actress, director, and storyteller, my passion has always been rooted in emotional truth and meaningful expression. So, I created Wright Positive Films — a digital-first creative studio and coaching brand designed for creators, performers, and visionary entrepreneurs.

Wright Positive Films is everything I’ve learned and more. From script consulting and brand storytelling to performance coaching and virtual content development, I now get to help others elevate their voice and their vision in powerful ways without depending on unpredictable supply chains, global shipping rates, or tariff threats.

Why Digital Business Is the Future

Digital business models allow for more flexibility, more control, and more scalability. And over the next 1–2 years, I’ll be leaning hard into this space supporting clients, producing purposeful content, and expanding my creative footprint online.

The Final Chapter of BYC: Our Candle Clearance Sale

But before I close the chapter on BYC entirely, there’s one last thing I need your help with.

Right now, we’re hosting our final clearance sale for all remaining candle inventory. This is the biggest sale we’ve ever done — and it’s also the very last. We’re not restocking. We’re not relaunching. We’re clearing the shelves for good.

Everything must go. Seriously.

Every candle — from Soft Girl Era and Day At The Spa to White Minerals and Oakmoss & Amber — is marked down to move. If you’ve ever loved one of our signature scents or wanted to try them before they disappear, now’s the time.

Here’s How the Markdowns Work

All candles above $15 are 20% OFF
All $15 candles are 15% OFF — when you buy 2 or more
Premium candles (like Day At The Spa, Sea Salt & Orchid, and Bamboo & Coconut) will be 25% OFF starting May 1
All discounts are applied automatically at checkout — no code needed

Why It Matters: Scent Your Space One Last Time

Candles have always been more than wax and wicks. They’re mood-setters. They’re memory-makers. They’re the spark that turns a space into a sanctuary. If you’ve ever burned a BYC candle during a self-care day, a journaling session, or while binge-watching your favorite show — you know what I mean.

And if you’ve never experienced them before? This is your final chance.

My goal is to get these candles out of storage and into your homes, where they belong — bringing calm, joy, and a little magic to your everyday rituals. I’d rather see them enjoyed than let them sit on shelves collecting dust.

So whether you’re restocking favorites or discovering new scents, this is it.

Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Thank You — and What Comes Next

As I shift my full energy into Wright Positive Films, I do so with immense gratitude. Gratitude for everyone who’s supported BYC. Gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned through supply chain chaos and pricing pressures. And gratitude for what comes next.

This clearance sale is more than a discount event — it’s a farewell celebration of everything we created together.

Let’s send BYC off with a beautiful burn.

Browse the collection. Grab your faves. Tell your besties. And make space for the new season ahead — for both of us.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Shop the Everything Must Go Clearance Sale now — and stock up before your favorites disappear.