Detroit Entrepreneur Builds Eco-Conscious Candle Brand
Unique Monique Scented Candles, a Detroit-based business founded by Monique Bounds., aims to produce candles and household products with clean ingredients and local supply chains. What began as a personal hobby during college has evolved into a full-time venture producing coconut oil and soy-based candles made with essential oils and locally sourced materials. SBN Detroit interviewed Bounds about launching a sustainable product line, sourcing challenges in Michigan, and how small manufacturers are navigating the growing demand for eco-conscious home goods. Q: Tell us how Unique Monique began and what motivated you to turn candle-making into a business. A: I started making candles about five or six years ago. It began as a hobby – something calming and creative that helped me manage stress while balancing college classes I was taking and work. I shared them with friends and family, and the response was positive. As I continued experimenting, I began taking business mentoring classes. My mentor helped me understand how to turn my hobby into a business, including forming my LLC and developing relationships with local stores. That’s when I realized there was real potential to grow this into something sustainable. Over time, I also became more intentional about ingredients. I noticed some of the natural components I was using felt better for people in my own household, especially those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. That shaped the direction of the brand. Q: What distinguishes your candles from traditional scented candles on the market? A: The foundation of my candles is soy flakes derived from soybeans and coconut oil, blended with pure essential oils. I avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic additives. The goal is to create a cleaner burn with minimal soot and no heavy chemical residue. For me, sustainability starts with setting non-negotiable ingredient standards. I use boiled wax methods, essential oils, and thicker glass jars to prevent cracking and extend product life. Packaging also matters. I try to use materials that are safe and environmentally responsible. Q: From your perspective, what does building a genuinely eco-conscious product require beyond just ingredients? A: It requires discipline. Sustainability isn’t something you add later, it has to be built into your foundation. That means being selective about suppliers, understanding where materials come from, and balancing cost with integrity. Many ingredients are processed in ways that aren’t obvious at first glance, so sourcing responsibly takes research. I’ve also had certain ingredients lab tested to ensure they align with my standards. Beyond ingredients, packaging, waste reduction and long-term product use all matter. I think about how the product lives in someone’s home and what happens after it’s finished. Q: How are consumer attitudes around indoor air quality and “clean” products evolving? A: Consumers are more informed now. People ask questions about what’s in their products. They want to know about essential oils, wax types, and where ingredients come from. There’s more awareness around chemical exposure in everyday products. At the same time, there are misconceptions. For example, some people have concerns about soy wax because of misinformation online. Education is important – not everything labeled “natural” is automatically good or bad. It’s about understanding the sourcing and processing behind it. Q: You also emphasize sourcing locally. Why is that important to you? A: Whenever possible, I source ingredients locally in Michigan. I want to keep money circulating within the state and reduce transportation impact. Local sourcing helps minimize carbon footprint and supports other small businesses. It does require careful vetting. But I believe strengthening local supply chains is part of long-term sustainability. Q: How has community engagement played a role in your growth? A: Community events have been very important. I’ve participated in local showcases like the Henry Ford Museum during Black History Month, as well as events connected to the NFL Draft and the Detroit Grand Prix. These events create opportunities not only to sell products but to educate consumers about clean ingredients and sustainable manufacturing. Being present in the community has helped build awareness. Q: Beyond candles, are you expanding into other product categories? A: Yes. I recently launched an antibacterial laundry detergent made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients. It’s currently carried by More Herbs, a local health and wellness store. I’m also exploring home cleaning kits, and other self-care products. The long-term vision is to build a marketplace that supports other small businesses with similar sustainability values. Q: Looking ahead, what does growth look like for Unique Monique? A: Right now, most of the business is online, but I do have a physical office location. I’d like to expand retail partnerships and possibly open a brick-and-mortar space in the future. Workshops and classes are another goal… teaching others about candle-making and sustainable product development. Ultimately, I want every decision the company makes to support healthier homes, stronger communities and a cleaner environment. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
