Girls’ soy candles business helps keep them in the saddle

McHENRY, N.D.  -- What started out as something to do during the cold winter months has bloomed into a business for three girls who live on a cattle ranch near here.

With the help of their mom, Jenny Miller, sisters Mackenzie, Ryleigh and Kodie – ages 9, 8 and 6 – make soy candles and products under the name Cowgirl Candles to help raise money to help with their rodeo expenses.

“We started making the candles as a fun winter project,” Jenny said. “We decided they turned out so well that we would try different scents and started selling them locally. Word got out, and we have sent candles all over the United States.”

Wax chips that are poured into wax warmers are something new the girls started selling this fall. Miller said they are very popular and come in more than 50 scents, including Bonfire Bliss, Pumpkin Brulee and Sparkling Snowflakes.

Coming up with new scents is one of the girls’ favorite parts of the business, they said.

“I love seeing what scents people like the most,” Ryleigh said, adding that she also likes selling candles, talking to customers and learning to count money and give correct change.

Kodie said she likes pouring the scents in when she helps her older sisters make the candles. She also likes watching the wax form.

Cowgirl Candles are sold through their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cowgirlcandles , or by emailing cowgirlcandles3@gmail.com .

In addition to school and taking care of their horses and other farm animals, the girls spend about two days a week making candles.

“I think it is great,” Jenny said of her daughters’ business. “It helps teach the value of working for something that is important to you and that you need to work hard to get what you want.”

And they are learning some valuable lessons.

“I learned that you have to be organized and make sure everyone gets the candles they order,” Mackenzie said.

The candles don’t quite bring in enough money to cover the girls’ rodeo expenses, but their mom said it helps.

The girls participate in barrel racing and pole bending through the National Barrel Horse Association, Eastern Barrel Racing Association and Roughrider Rodeo.

“We have always had horses and competed,” Jenny Miller said. “We love rodeo, from time traveling and talking in the pickup to practicing for the event and competing, it all teaches valuable life lessons.”

Mackenzie and her horse, Hawkeye, won five buckles over the summer competing in barrel racing. They were the North Dakota State National Barrel Horse Association 4D Youth Reserve Champions. She also placed fourth in the state 4D competition with a horse named Doc she is handing down to her sisters to learn on.

“I like everything about rodeo and horses,” Mackenzie said. “I like taking care of my horses, traveling, competing and being with my family.”

1/2: Sisters Mackenzie (left), Ryleigh, and Kodie Miller ages 9, 8, and 6, make soy candles, melts, and soy wax chips under the name Cowgirl Candles to help raise money to help with their rodeo expenses. Photo special to The Forum.

2/2: Cowgirl Candles come in a variety of scents as soy candles, melts, and soy wax chips. Photo special to The Forum.

1/2: Sisters Mackenzie (left), Ryleigh, and Kodie Miller ages 9, 8, and 6, make soy candles, melts, and soy wax chips under the name Cowgirl Candles to help raise money to help with their rodeo expenses. Photo special to The Forum.

2/2: Cowgirl Candles come in a variety of scents as soy candles, melts, and soy wax chips. Photo special to The Forum.