Name: Sabastian Garsnett

Birth Place: Bloomington Indiana

Occupation: Candle Shop Owner and Realtor

What made you pursue making candles?

It is a passion of my husband, Chad. Three years ago, while living in Indianapolis, we started candle making as a hobby to pass the time while staying at home during the pandemic. Quickly we became obsessed with making the perfect candle; We use only the finest materials in our products and make it our priority to use resources in a conscious manner, minimizing our footprint on the environment. Oh, and has to smell incredible!

 What kinds of candles do you make and are there popular scents?

Our candles are made of 100% soy wax for an eco-friendly burn with lead-free, cotton wicks. We also use only premium clean fragrance oils, containing no phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or other harmful chemicals often found in fragrances. They are long-lasting and highly scented without the artificial smell. We hand-pour every candle we make.

How long does it take to make a candle from start to finish?

We make our candles in batches of 6. It generally takes about an hour to create and then about 2 hours for fully cure (solidify). However, we wait at least one week before selling for maximum candle performance. 

What has been your biggest influence in creating such a business with your gay partner?

We were both working from home and I knew he didn’t care for being on a computer all day. He is really creative and artistic, so this was an outlet for him that I wanted to help become a full-time job.  He handles the creative side and I manage the marketing and operations.

How did both of you meet?  

We met on an app. We were about 3 hours apart and chatted for about a month before meeting. Once we met, we traveled back and forth every weekend until we decided it was time to move in together.

What do you love the most about your relationship in building this business together?

I think we have seen each other grow in areas we were previously uncomfortable in. His creative side comes natural to him and is slowly rubbing off on me. And vice versa, he has zero desire to work in areas such as google ads, QuickBooks and other operational things, but with me also busy in real estate, he has embraced learning all aspects of the business.

What has been the most difficult in creating a business of your own?

We traded in our 40 hours a week jobs for 70 hours a week and a huge pay cut! But we love it and so happy.

Tell us about your most recent candle creation?

 Our storefront is called Garsnett Beacon Candle Co. and offers our entire collection of candles as well as the pour-your-own candle experience where we guide guests through making their own creations.

Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun making your own candle!

So, tell me about Out Loud Candles..what is that all about?

We just launched Out Loud Candles that we are really proud of. It is what we call our ‘Candles with a Cause’ brand. We have over 70 designs catering to the LGBTQ+ community. We also have 30 affirmation candles promoting mental health and self-care.  A portion of all sales go right into the community in areas of equality and mental well-being. Additionally, Out Loud Candles is committing $1 from the sale of each candle to The Trevor Project, whose mission is to end suicide among lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people. 

Promoting mental health and self care is so important !

So, let’s have some fun learnng about you !

Words that best describe you?

Organized Chaos.  I like everything done to a high standard and in the proper steps, but I tend to have my hand in a lot of different projects at one. Keeps life interesting!  

When did you become out to friends and family?

 I came out my senior year of high school. I was really outed instead of coming out at my own pace, but that’s a story for another day!

Who has been your biggest influence in your life? 

My previous boss is pretty incredible. I watched this person grow a podcast from a bedroom closet to a network employing over 50 people and dominates the charts, really owning the True Crime space.  I was managing the operations for several years built a solid work ethic because I loved the pressure and found my unique ability to take risks that generally pay off.   

I would give anything to meet…

This is so silly but Chrissy Teigen. I’m the biggest John Legend (her husband) fan and met him multiple times, but Chrissy is pretty incredible and I’d love a dinner double date! 

Your idea of a perfect evening is?

Eating the best burger and fries in town, followed by a chill walk downtown and ending with ice cream at the beach here in Michigan watching the sunset.  

The last book I read was ….

The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person, by Frederick Joseph

My favorite movies/plays are?

I like the typical, The Book of Mormon, RENT 

Nobody knows that I ……

Beat stage 3 cancer at 34. 

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

Honestly, I’m not really versed in international travel, but my happy place is bouncing back and forth between Ft. Lauderdale and the St. Pete Beach area.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

My husband thought we were going on a little drive for a couple hours’ which ended up being a full day of surprises, flights and ended with a proposal. Think Amazing Race’ style.

What odd talent do you have?

I can eat a half-gallon of ice cream and not even think twice. Lol

What had been your biggest setback or failure in life and how did you overcome it? 

This is pretty personal, but I was a highly functioning alcoholic for about 15 years. Been sober now almost 6 years and seeing life clearly is an incredible feeling.

If I could meet my younger self, I would tell him…

Don’t worry what the world thinks of you. Put yourself and your mental health first. Don’t try to be a social butterfly or strive to make everyone like you. Just keep a close circle of friends and you will be happy.

What would you like to say to the Gay Life after 40 tribe? 

Whether we are 40, 50, 60, 70 or thankful to be older, live your life for you. Want to move to a new city? Do it. Want to try a brand-new career field? Do it. I honestly believe I can’t make my husband or anyone else happy unless I am completely happy myself. Once I found my own happiness, I was able to be a better lover, better family guy and a better person.

 Where can our readers find you or know more about you?

 Sabastian Garsnett on Facebook and @sgarsnett on Instagram

 How can they purchase your candles?

You can buy our LGBTQ+ and Affirmation candles at www.outloudcandles.com.  You can see our other work and candles at www.garsnettbeacon.com. Thanks so much for all the support .