How Did You Get Started? Tell Me How This All Began?
Funny story. Honestly my cousin, Zack, accidentally started my business. I had just graduated High School. I was looking for a fun activity that my cousin and I could do together. I took $5 and got the bare basics for candle making. I was teaching him how to make votive candles. It was a fun afternoon. I gave him the candles we made together. Here is the funny part. I didn’t realize that Zack was going to go door to door and sell them. A couple days later he hangs out with me again and says he has orders for more. I was awestruck.
My Dad was very supportive. We would go to the local craft shops to get more supplies. When Michael’s first opened up in South Ridge, Dad would take me to the Midnight Madness sales to expand my little hobby with new candle molds and scents.
What Do You Like About Doing This?
It is very therapeutic for me to craft things. It is my “me time”. I have the freedom to be the most authentic version of me in my creative zone. I enjoy custom orders and welcome them. Being able to bring an idea to life for the customers is a fun challenge. I might not be able to every time, but each one is a learning experience.
How Do You Feel What You Do Helps People?
It fills a need people have similar to the way comfort foods would for individuals or groups at a gathering. People find comfort in familiar scents or the nostalgia of simple routines; of lighting incense or the shapes of the candles. The products help to connect the individuals or masses to a happier place or time. Persons receiving custom made items understand the love and patience that went into the creation of their unique item.
How Long Have You Been Working With Or Studying These Skills?
I personally have been working with leather since I was a little girl. I would venture to say I was 8 years old (1988). My mom would teach me leatherworking skills. We would prepare the animal hide. It was several days of work.
I picked up candle making in high school (1996). Friend of mine at the time made candles while we were hanging out and loved to teach me about it. I learned a big chunk of the basics then.
I started making incense around 2002 just for personal use. It was 2006 when a friend of mine approached me with a need for incense as a new and different form of merchandise his local band could sell at shows. This was exciting. We would blend unique scents for the titles of the bands songs and label them as such.