Baseball Business Spotlight Series: 7th Inning Candles®

This week, Painting Corners sits down with Jojo Guzman, Founder of 7th Inning Candles®. You can learn more about Jojo and 7th Inning Candles® on their official Instagram (@7thinningcandles), Threads (@7thinningcandles), and at their store.

Where did you grow up? Where are you located today?

I grew up in Norwalk, CA and currently reside in Anaheim, CA just minutes away from Angels Stadium.

What is your baseball team?

Will my answer sway those that support me? Haha.. I’m a Yankees fan!

What is your company name?

7th Inning Candles®

What does your company do? 

Our company sells baseball-inspired hand-poured candles and wax melts for those that love baseball and softball nostalgia.

Assorted 7th Inning Candles®‍ ‍hand-poured candles made with a coconut apricot wax blend. Carcinogen-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, mutagen-free, phthalate-free, toxin-free, and vegan.

Let’s talk about your origin story. How did you get into baseball?

My parents actually put me in t-ball when I was about 5 years old and at the time, I HATED it. Till this day, they poke fun at the fact that I cried the entire game. I tried other sports growing up, but in junior high school they enrolled me in Pony and I continued to play throughout high school. I still play every now and then with friends in pick up games on Sundays.

What is your personal favorite baseball moment or experience?

My favorite baseball experience was being surprised for my undergraduate graduation with tickets, flight, etc to go watch the Yankees play in New York during Derek Jeter's retirement year. I had watched him play so much in California, but wanted to experience the Bronx vibes.

What was the spark that led to what would become your business?

Honestly, the spark started when I was on a hike. I was like, you know what would be a cool idea? Baseballs and candles. The minute I got home, I purchased a ton of supplies and started testing.

Is there a special meaning assigned to either the name or logo?

YES. 7th Inning is typically the time in a game where people get up, stretch, grab their favorite snacks, etc. We are hoping that during those innings, if you’re watching from home, you are grabbing our candles and lighting them.

On Deck® Watermelon & Honeydew Candle | Wooden Wick | 7oz

What is the essence of your brand? Who does this brand exist for?

Honestly, our brand is for everyone! Although we are focused on baseball, anyone can pick up one of our candles and light it at home. 

Why is it important to incorporate baseball into your business?

It is important because when we launched the brand, there were no others like it. We are big proponents of mental health and found a way to mix our passion of promoting self-care through relaxing and lighting a candle with some baseball nostalgia. We want our fragrance blends to evoke memories at the ballpark, or watching games with family/friends. 

Is this your main gig, or a side hustle? Was that always the case?

This is something I do along with my normal 9-5 job and going to school full-time in a masters program. 

What does a typical "day in the life" look like for you?

If I am candle making, it’s usually cleaning the jars, weighing out the wax, and testing fragrances. 

Big League® Oakmoss & Amber Candle | Wood Wick | 7oz

Are there any obstacles you have had to overcome in your journey as a business owner?

There are plenty of obstacles, as I am sure any small business has had. The biggest for us was rebranding back in 2025. We were nervous that people would no longer find and support us, but due to trademarking, etc. we made the switch and it has opened up more opportunities than before. 

Highlight reel: What has been your biggest moment since starting your business?

Our biggest moment since starting our business was having Wayne Randazzo highlight our candle and broadcast it on (what used to be) Bally Sports West during an Angels game. Another was being followed on Threads by the Official MLB account. I also have to add being followed and supported by some MLB players and their significant others. It’s pretty awesome to see them supporting small businesses.

Blooper reel: What was your biggest mistake or learning moment since starting your business?

The biggest oops we’ve had to date was forgetting to close the dispenser on our wax melter and coming back to wax spilled all over the kitchen floor.

What is your favorite customer story?

Oh, I love this question! I did a popup inside of Angels stadium and these ladies came up to our booth and started smelling our candles. A few scents we had out (Big League and On Deck) brought the ladies to tears because the scents reminded them of being back on the field during Bobby Sox. 

What is your best-seller or favorite product, if you had to pick one to highlight?

My personal favorite and top-seller is Home Run® which is a unique blend of dark musk and amber. Think, “night out on the town after a world series victory.” 

Home Run® Dark Musk & Amber Candle | Wooden Wick | 7oz

Alright, just a couple more questions. What makes baseball so special?

Baseball has a unique way of bringing together even the most unsuspecting people and making them friends. Honestly, this is what I love the most about it.

What do you like most about the baseball community?

Honestly, I love everything about it. I love the connections, the support there’s been for our brand, and the friendships I have made.

Founder Jojo Guzman and friends at a bowling alley

7th Inning Candles® is based in Anaheim, CA.