Meet Virginia Miller | Fragrance Designer & Candle Artisan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Virginia Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Virginia, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Founding Valkyrie James Candle Co. was a heartfelt decision, deeply rooted in my personal journey and the profound inspiration I draw from my daughter, Valkyrie James.

My journey into the world of candle making began with pregnancy – all those moments of stress and anxiety left me searching for relief, and so it led me to aromatherapy. I walked into stores, intent on buying scented candles. I loaded myself with as many candles as I could purchase and headed home ready to light them up – But when I burned the candles, to my disappointment, I experienced intense headaches, red/puffy eyes and stuffy noses. I could hardly breathe, let alone decompress!

So I researched the ingredients only to find out shocking words on my screen – “crude-oil”, “carcinogens,” “toxins!” I could not put my baby and family through this. I began researching healthier alternatives, taking it upon myself to create what I felt the market had missed. Stylish candles with a purpose; designed and crafted by women, with pregnant women, babies, pets and the environment in mind. I established Valkyrie James Candle Co. following the arrival of my baby girl, and our mission is just beginning.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a mom to a beautiful two-year old, the health and safety of my family are my priority. At home, we’ve been working with our daughter on gardening, and how to care for our planet, because the way products are made matters. What goes into products matters. Life is all about the little details.

At Valkyrie James we’ve committed ourselves to sustainability from top to bottom, from our eco-friendly packaging to sourcing ingredients from local, single-origin, often organic suppliers, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint while creating products that matter. Each candle is hand-crafted with natural ingredients ensuring a clean burn without harmful pollutants and allergens such as parabens, phthalates, and crude-oil or petro by-products.

What sets us apart is that we love to celebrate the changing seasons just like in the world of fashion. With each new season, we introduce a fresh line of scents, vibrant colors, and gorgeous vessels. We take pride in our seasonal catalogue, where each product is lovingly crafted and unique—they are never the same year after year. Our candles are like little works of art, giving you the chance to curate your home with essence.

Our journey hasn’t always been easy though. It took a lot of time and effort to perfect our unique vegan wax blends and solutions. They are all designed to minimize allergies and respiratory irritation. Overcoming these challenges taught us the importance of persistence and innovation. I’m particularly proud of our reed diffuser and fabric/room sprays because after a long period of trial & error, we finally achieved a biodegradable, plant-based product that is both long-lasting and very fragrant.

If there’s one thing I’d love the world to know, it’s that Valkyrie James is more than just a candle company—it’s a heartfelt journey filled with love and care. My dream is to bring peace and joy into homes worldwide. Every step we take comes from a genuine wish to make a difference—not just in how we make candles, but in touching the lives of everyone in our community. Our story is a personal transformation—from my own search for safe, soothing scents to a growing business that cherishes people, furry pals, and Mother Earth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my life-long best friend were visiting Fort Worth, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable week! We’d start by visiting the Fort Worth Zoo, where we could marvel at the incredible wildlife and enjoy a day of adventure. Next, we’d explore the serene beauty of the Botanical Garden, taking in the lush landscapes and vibrant flowers. For a memorable dining experience, we’d head to MesoMaya restaurant, where the flavors of authentic Mexican and Mayan cuisine would delight our taste buds. This combination of nature, wildlife, and delicious cultural food would make for a perfect itinerary filled with excitement and relaxation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my life, two incredible people stand out for their endless love and support.

To my amazing husband, who’s my rock in this ever-changing world, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your unwavering support touches every part of my life and business with such genuine care.

And to my daughter, the light of my creativity. Her enthusiasm and joy bring every candle collection I make to life. Her laughter fills our home, and her spirit fuels my imagination. In her eyes, I see dreams waiting to bloom.

Together, my husband and daughter are the heart of my business, life, and happiness. Their love and support keep me going, turning each day into a new adventure. I owe my successes to them, and it’s our shared journey that makes it all so very special.

Oh, and I can’t forget my sweet kitty companions! They’ve inspired their own, big-hit, candle collection. Each scent is named in their honor, and 100% of the proceeds go to helping stray cats in our community who really need it.

Website: https://www.valkyriejames.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkyriejamescandleco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091268050358