Q: Can you tell our readers about yourself and what you do?
A: My name is Melissa and I make handpoured soy candles inspired by a bunch of different fandoms, tv shows, movies & books.
Q: How did you first get into creating candles and when did you decide to take the leap and just go for it?
A: I’ve always loved candles, but a few years ago, my friend bought me a couple of candles that were inspired by rides at Disney World. I thought the concept was so cool. As we kept talking, though, I wondered if anyone had a George Costanza candle. I searched the web for candles inspired by Seinfeld & Friends and a bunch of John Hughes movies. I couldn’t find anything and decided I needed to create them myself. After a long talk with my husband, I decided to go for it. It was scary because the supplies alone are expensive and there is no guarantee of sales—but I thought my ideas were strong enough to go for it, and so did he!
Q: Who or what inspired you to do what you are doing now?
A: Movies, Books, TV shows—they inspire me constantly!
Q: What would be your ideal working environment?
A: I want to work at Dunder Mifflin! Or the Parks Department in Pawnee—I could be the resident candle maker who gets to gossip with Pam or Leslie and goof around with Dwight or Andy. That would seriously be awesome.
Q: How would you describe your style with creating candles?
A: My candles are playful and fun.
Q: What is one thing you wish you knew starting out with creating candles or something you could have told your past self?
A: I would tell myself to look for brand reps. I had one brand rep when I first opened because she was a friend of mine with a bookstagram page, but I didn't realize the magnitude of an effect that great brand reps can have. I've been really lucky to have had over a dozen who I feel are/were just amazing and helped spread the word with their genuine enthusiasm!
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: Obsess over Jamie Fraser, read books, watch lots of Netflix (research, of course), spend time with my family, and we try to go to Florida about once a year because The Magic Kingdom & Harry Potter World are two of my favorite places on earth.
Q: How do you motivate yourself to keep your candle shop going?
A: Messages from customers are super motivating. The reviews are, as well. I also get inspired when I’m ordering supplies—as odd as that might sound, I love taking inventory on my fragrance oils, and ordering samples of new ones. The samples always get my wheels spinning.
Q: What do you find the most frustrating and/or challenging aspect of creating candles?
A: Balancing my responsibilities as a Mom with my responsibilities as a business owner.
Q: How much time do you spend candle making and is it a hobby or job?
A: This is my job, 100%. I work every day, especially during the holidays. I pour candles at least twice a week and ship twice a week as well. But, on the other days, I’m designing new labels or working on custom candles. I’m not the best photographer, but I also spend a lot of time taking pictures of my products and posting to Instagram. I collect Funko Pops so it’s fun using those in my photography.
Q: Can you name some of your favourite bloggers/authors/shops and explain why they’re your favourite?
A: Some of my favorite authors are Tarryn Fisher, David Levithan, Beth Ehemann & Diana Gabaldon. One of my favorite blogs is The Book Avenue. And I have several other Etsy shops whom I just love—they’ve become my people—Luna Love by Corinna, The Pour House Company, Woodbury Road Candles & Geeky Girl Scents are some of my favorites.
Q: What would be your go to meal, outing and Starbucks/Tim Horton’s Drink
A: I don’t go to Starbucks often, but I do love their Chai tea. (We don’t have Tim Horton’s near me)
Q: Kiss, Kill and Marry: (Uncle Jesse from Full House, Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles, and Jess Mariano from Gilmore Girls)
A: Kiss: Jess Mariano
Kill: Uncle Jesse
Marry: Jake Ryan
Q: If you were stuck on an Island what would be the three things you would want with you?
A: A photo album filled with pictures of my family, my cell phone in the hopes of making contact with family & friends, and my kindle.
Q: What sort of advice can you give to anyone out there that’s thinking about starting a blog/novel/shop?
A: Life’s too short—if you have a passion for something, you have to go for it. Do your homework, plan things out, but go for it! You’ll be happy you did!
Here's Where You Can Find Melissa!
That's all for this week's Empowered Wednesday's! I hope you enjoyed this new feature! Check back here next week where a brand new creator will be featured on the blog!!
So until the next time, Keep Reading!
Your Graduated Bookworm!! :)
No comments :
Post a Comment