[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1131-S1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               RECOGNIZING DIRT ROAD CANDLE COMPANY, INC.

 Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Dirt 
Road Candle Company of Atlantic, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  What started as a hobby for Michelle Myers has turned into a full-
time business through passion, a quality product, and rural Iowa 
inspiration. In 2016, Myers and her husband Steve Myers bought a farm 
on a dirt road. The farm was a dream come true for them. At first, 
creating candles was Myers' hobby, but as demand for her candles 
increased, she began to make it her second job, which led to the 
creation of her small business. Soon after, Myers sold her candles on 
consignment at a local boutique and started selling her candles online. 
The growth has led Myers to hire six employees to join her at Dirt Road 
Candle Company.
  The vision statement of the company is ``happiness does have a 
smell.'' Each candle is named after different moments or ideas that are 
inspired by rural Iowa. Myers started giving her candles fun names when 
she discovered that her customers engage more with the meaning of 
candles. She has had candles named ``Call Your Mom,'' which was 
inspired by Myers' time at Iowa State University, candles named ``Iowa 
Nice'' or even ``Backyard Lilacs,'' which embodies the Iowa spring 
spirit. All of the candles are hand poured on the farm and are made 
with 100 percent USA-raised soy wax. Myers has even expanded her 
product line to include room sprays, car freshies, counter sprays, wall 
diffusers, wax melts, hand soap, and pet products.
  Dirt Road Candle Company continues to look out for the community. 
Candle proceeds have been donated to various charities. A couple of 
years ago, she had a county-fair inspired candle. Proceeds went to 
support a child to go to the county fair or to buy a child a chicken. 
She also had a candle called ``Love Your Neighbor,'' with profits 
supporting the 2019 Iowa flood victims. Further, Myers opens up her 
candle workshop twice a year to sell her products in person. On those 
days, she also invites other entrepreneurs to sell their products in 
her shop.
  Dirt Road Candle Company's commitment to its values has paid off. In 
6 years, Myers and team have been able to grow from a hobby to a 
thriving

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small business that brings the joy of rural Iowa to many satisfied 
customers. Myers' farm life is her inspiration, and she has been able 
to use this muse to create a truly one of a kind Iowa experience from 
the comfort of your home. I want to commend Michelle Myers and the 
entire team at Dirt Road Candle Company for their continued dedication 
to spreading joy through their candles. This business exemplifies the 
perseverance and grit of the Iowa entrepreneur. I look forward to 
seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.

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