Our latest Beauty Boss is Haeley Gjesvold, Founder of Nightwork Candle—a line of fantasy-inspired candles that are made with high-quality ingredients with each blend created for one’s next escape. Nightwork Candle’s products are paraffin-free, feature coconut soy wax blends, lead-free cotton wicks, and are free of parabens and phthalates, in addition to being Peta certified vegan and cruelty-free.

Create the Ultimate Sanctuary With These Decorative and Scented Candles

Gjesvold’s unique candle creations include Chelsea Hotel, Mykonos in Scorpio, Showgirls of Death Valley, and more. Every scent tells a story and takes you on an aromatic journey that entertains and inspires the senses. All of the candles come in beautiful translucent black glass vessels that can be reused as storage or decor.

We chatted with Gjesvold who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, beauty tips, and much more.

When was Nightwork Candle founded and what does the name mean?

Nightwork was founded in May 2021 (Gemini baby.) The name refers to that time either late at night or early in the morning that the whole world seems quiet. The notifications and distractions are minimal and we can just be with our thoughts. I really value this headspace. I love to feel like time could just stop. I also like that its a little suggestive but also open to interpretation, as most things are. 

What inspired the creation of the brand?

Nightwork is a melting pot. It’s my first true brand creation so I wanted it to be an essence of who I am. It can be a little dark and moody, but also very dreamy and playful. I wanted to create a “safe space” for people to be immersed in. Peaceful and supported, but also fiery and inspiring.  

I ended up just creating this magical fictional hotel in my head and let my fantasies go to town. By doing this I was able to capture all the different layers of the brand I wanted to include. Each candle is inspired by a muse that would hang out there. 

Does Nightwork Candle have a hero product?

Yes! Pink Milk has developed her own cult following possibly even outside of Nightwork. We have a running joke around the studio that “it’s Pink Milk’s world and we just live in it.”

Pink Milk smells like a fantasy candle: milky cereal, bergamot, crushed berries. I think it’s so special to people because it’s dreamy and playful, but also super nostalgic. It reminds us to not take things too seriously. 

What are your favorite products from the brand?

It depends on the time of year but I think my anytime candle is Velvet Heart. It’s soft, cozy, spicy—all the things that make me feel calm and grounded without being too heavy. It was the first blend I did which is also special—like my firstborn haha.

Where are your products sold?

On our website.

Future plans for the brand?

I’m looking forward to launching more revolving seasonal’s and limited-edition candles. I love it because it allows me to create and conceptualize more often and that’s my favorite part! We are also preparing to launch rollerballs and perfumes of our beloved scents. These have been requested since day one and I’m so excited to share them. 

Who inspires you?

I don’t think I have one person in particular that inspires me, but I’m inspired by so many other female entrepreneurs that are further along than me. Women that faced challenges like me and were able to overcome them despite the odds being against them or pivot altogether and be ok with it. I’m inspired by fluidity and tenacity. 

Secret to success?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to plan ahead but not to be too attached to outcomes or fixate on details. Before launch I spent so much time figuring out how to ship internationally or how to pack and ship entire palettes of candles. But nobody was buying large orders or internationally from me yet so it was a waste of effort, stress, and mental space. I know now that the road will continue to unfold in front of me, but only at the pace that it’s ready to and I don’t need to force a thing.

Beauty secrets?

It’s boring, but I really believe our outer world is an expression of our inner world. I prioritize meditation, proper sleep, nourishing food, and lots of greens. I also have a nighttime routine that is admittedly pretty extra, but I’m ok with that!  

Wellness tip?

Head space is our most valuable asset. I prioritize my peace and make time to be quiet, to process, and conceptualize. Workflow and setting up systems will help. Also understanding that some days I’m very task-oriented and some days I need to stay in my creative flow, and that’s ok. 

Best advice?

Break things down into smaller tasks and trust the process. I get so fiery and passionate when I’m in my creative space, but sometimes I can go to far too fast and then lose the details. Taking it one step at a time will create success but in an aligned and sustainable way. 

Favorite way to relax?

I love days with no “plans” but still kind of moveable. I don’t like to sit still for too long. I love walking; I could walk all day. I also love hot yoga, reading, exploring new coffee shops, and planning pretty vegan dinners with my favorites. 

For more information, visit Nightwork Candle’s website and follow on Instagram: @nightworkcandle

[Images courtesy of Nightwork Candle]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk