For nearly seven years, Oak Lane Candle Co. has been a steady presence in Downtown Ames. Owned and operated by Stacy Negrete, the business has grown from a home-based candle-making hobby to a thriving brick-and-mortar store on Main Street. Known for its clean-burning, small-batch soy candles, Oak Lane stands out for its commitment to quality, community, and purpose-driven work.
Negrete’s journey started in 2015 as a way to raise funds for her family’s international adoption. “What began as a creative way to support our adoption quickly grew into something much bigger,” she said. Within hours of launching her first Etsy listings, orders poured in faster than she could keep up. That early success laid the foundation for what would become Oak Lane Candle Co.
The business name is a nod to Negrete’s childhood home in southeast Iowa, where a long driveway lined with oak seedlings left a lasting impression. “Oak Lane is a reminder to grow something meaningful and lasting,” she said. That mindset has carried through each stage of the business—from early product testing in her kitchen to opening a storefront and studio in Ames.
Each candle is made with 100% soy wax sourced from Midwest farms, with phthalate-free fragrance oils and lead-free cotton wicks. Negrete pours each candle by hand in the back of her store, which also features a small retail space and a pour bar for custom scent-making experiences. Customer favorites like Mint + Grapefruit and Oakmoss + Amber have become staples, and seasonal scents give shoppers something new to explore throughout the year.
Oak Lane’s approach is rooted in transparency and simplicity. There’s no mass production—just small batches made with intention. “Our goal is to make something that fits seamlessly into people’s lives,” she said. “We care about how our products are made and how they make people feel when they use them.”
Community has always been at the center of Oak Lane’s growth. Selling at the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market helped Negrete build relationships with customers, receive feedback, and test new products. Support from other small business owners on Main Street has also been instrumental. “There’s a real sense of collaboration here,” she said. “People want to see each other succeed.”
During the pandemic, Oak Lane quickly pivoted to an online and local delivery model, which helped the business maintain momentum while many storefronts were forced to close or scale back. That adaptability gave Negrete the confidence to take the leap and leave her other job in early 2021, making Oak Lane her full-time focus.
As the business continues to grow, Negrete is exploring new ways to reach customers—both locally and beyond. That includes expanding the pour bar experience, introducing new scent lines, and continuing to partner with other local makers and small shops. “We’re proud to be part of the small business community in Ames,” she said. “And we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Oak Lane’s store has also become a destination for visitors looking for unique gifts and a relaxing, personalized experience. Whether it’s a custom-poured candle, a favorite seasonal scent, or a conversation with Stacy herself, customers often leave with more than what they came for.
For Negrete, success is rooted in staying authentic and connected. “We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re focused on being meaningful,” she said. “And that’s enough.”
