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Lit from within: Melissa Warnke ’09 crafts career that burns bright

Melissa Warnke ’09 has never been afraid to reinvent herself. A communications professional, small business owner and mom to two young daughters, Warnke has built a life defined by curiosity, courage and purpose. Whether she’s leading communications for a statewide organization or hand-pouring candles in her Montgomery studio, her mission is the same: to connect people and bring a little more light into the world.

A Spark Becomes a Flame

Melissa Warnke Candles began at Warnke’s kitchen table with a few teacups and a spark of creativity.

“I made my first candle in 2012, pouring it into one of the vintage teacups I had been collecting,” she said. “Over time, friends and family began to request candles, and I started selling them at holiday markets and local craft shows.”

That spark soon became something much bigger.

“There’s something special about seeing someone enjoy a product you dreamed up and created with your own hands,” she said. “As demand grew, I realized this wasn’t just a hobby anymore — it could become a real business.”

In 2019, Warnke introduced her signature hand-gilded candle line, known for its luminous gold-leaf vessels and timeless fragrances.

Today, her candles are sold in boutiques across the Southeast and online to customers nationwide. In September 2023, she reached a major milestone: opening her first storefront in historic Cloverdale in Montgomery, Alabama, complete with a retail shop, candle-making studio and event space for workshops and custom pouring sessions.

A Career that Shines

After earning her degree from Auburn’s School of Communication & Journalism and serving as an honors scholar, Eagle Eye TV station manager and Auburn Student Government Association executive secretary, Warnke launched her career in television news at WSFA.

“In news, creativity meant crafting compelling stories and presenting them clearly to viewers, often under intense deadlines,” she said. “It taught me to think on my feet, adapt quickly and connect with people through storytelling.”

A few years later, an Auburn connection changed her path. 

“A friend from my SGA days called me out of the blue about a job offer at the Alabama Retail Association,” she said. “At that point, my experience was entirely in news writing and on-camera delivery, so moving into communications felt like a big leap. But I embraced it.”

Warnke transitioned from the newsroom to a role focused on marketing strategy, advocacy and campaign planning.

Today, she serves as director of communications for the Alabama State Bar, where she leads public-facing and member communications.

“At the Bar, creativity often means finding innovative ways to connect with our members and communicate important information,” she said. “Whether it’s designing a publication, rethinking how we host events or building campaigns that inspire action, creativity is essential to making complex information approachable and engaging.”

Fueled by Auburn

Warnke credits Auburn for giving her a strong foundation and the courage to face new challenges.

“Auburn taught me how to work collaboratively and communicate clearly,” she said. “It also showed me the importance of building real relationships. Success often comes from getting involved and being prepared when opportunities arise.”

One Auburn tradition still reminds her to keep going: callouts.

“The most memorable callout moment was when I heard my name announced as a War Eagle Girl,” she said. “The year before, I applied and didn’t make it, which was incredibly disappointing. When you want something deeply and don’t hear your name called, it stings. But I learned to keep showing up, even when failure was a possibility.”

Lighting the Way

Warnke’s advice for current College of Liberal Arts students and young alumni is simple: don’t wait for perfect conditions to chase what you love.

As Warnke continues to pour her heart into everything she creates, she reminds others that success isn’t about having all the pieces in place — it’s about showing up, staying curious and choosing to be the light wherever you are.

Want to see where an Auburn College of Liberal Arts degree can take you? Explore more alumni stories!

Tags: Alumni Communication and Journalism