Member Stories
Virgins On Fire Candle Co.
Virgins On Fire Candle Co. creates candles that capture the spirit of rebellion in every jar. Founded by Jesse Regis (he/him) in June 2020, the first day of his sobriety journey, Virgins On Fire Candle Co. is about more than scent and wax. It’s about freedom. Defiance. Joy. And ditching everything that doesn’t serve you.
“This company is about shedding the 9–5 cubicle life, the endless meetings, the shit pay, and total lack of creativity,” Jesse says. “We are ‘This Candle was Handmade by a Gay Man, Not a Multinational Corporation with a Rainbow Logo 30 Days Out of the Year.'”
The name itself is an act of rebellion—about running from the “pure,” virgin life others expect, and instead, igniting one’s own way forward.
Every candle is handcrafted by Jesse—funny, irreverent, deeply queer, and proudly political. One of his bestsellers, “Because F*** You,”* donates $5 from every sale to local Planned Parenthood chapters. Another fan favorite, “F*** It, I’m Trans,”* led to a powerful moment of connection at Queens Pride when a father picked it up, hesitated, and asked Jesse if it might be considered offensive. Jesse assured him it was an affirmation, a statement of self-love and liberation. Moved, the father responded, “Oh! I’m going to send this to my daughter who just became my son. And I’m gonna tell him I love him.”
For Jesse, that’s what it’s all about. “Entrepreneurship is community building,” he says. “It’s about finding your people.”
Five years sober and five years into building his business, Jesse is more fired up than ever—stocked in over 300 shops nationwide and gaining ground with every new store that dares to break the mold. “Half of America seems to prefer I didn’t exist,” he adds. “But I’ll give an open invitation to anyone and everyone to give my business a chance. We’re all about freedom from the bullshit—a business rooted in joy and defiance.“
Jesse’s advice to aspiring queer entrepreneurs? “Run, don’t walk—it’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made.”
Head to Virgins On Fire Candle Co. to laugh, rage, and find the perfect candle for you to light up.