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How long have you been in business? I have been in the candle business since 2011. I have always wanted to start my own business ever since I was little. I started out making decorative crafts for the home. I then took a huge interest in candle making and started making candles for family and friends. Then several years later decided to open up an online candle business.
What is your biggest pet peeve? My biggest peeve is when people choose to lie rather than telling the truth for whatever reason. We all tend to tell that “little white lie”, but it’s the deceptive lies with no good intentions that bother me the most.
Tell us a little about the products you sell. We offer an alternative to burning candles with our collection of flameless candles, clamshell melts and bakery/dessert style melts. All our products are hand poured using soy wax and richly scented fragrance oils. Our products are great room fresheners for any room in the home, office or dorms.
What is you favorite donut flavor and how many can you eat in one sitting? I love sour cream donuts, slightly warmed. I am embarrassed to reveal how many I can consume in one sitting.
How did you come up with the name for your business? The Candle Caterer is actually a new business name from our original. My daughter helped me create this new name that makes me smile every time I hear it. I think it really expresses the true passion our business.
What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Fruits, vegetables and a variety of cheeses. I need to go grocery shopping.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years? My ultimate goal is to devote to my business full time and open a brick and mortar store. My main focus will certainly be producing great products from my existing line and providing excellent customer service. I would also like to expand the business to also include bath and body products.
If you could be a super hero, what would you want your super powers to be? I think it would be cool to be invisible, but only to sneak around and go undetected definitely not to call mischief.
How do you stay current in today's handmade market? I do a lot of research and try to meet the needs of my target market. This requires responding to feedback and asking questions of my customers. It also requires meeting their needs in a timely manner.
Do you sing in the shower or in the car? I like a large audience when I sing so I do most of my singing in the car.
What are your bestselling items? Our best selling items and most requested are our flameless candles. I have a great deal of customers with kids that like to scent their homes with our collection of flameless candles.
Where would you go in a time machine? My great grandmother and I share the same name, so I would love to go back in time to meet her.
What advice would you give others who are looking to start a business? First and foremost, start with a business plan. It is essential before you start your business, whether it is selling out of your home or online. Plain and simple, take your passion and run with it. Do not let fear of failure keep you from starting your business. You will make mistakes and be thankful that you do because you can use it as a learning experience and grow from it.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would the title be? Probably My Girl.
What is your favorite sweet treat to indulge in when life gets you down? Chocolate and Peanut Butter are my go to treats for good and bad times.
Tell us something most people don't know about you. I don’t really mention it nor does it come up, but I am terrified of water and I do not know how to swim.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you take besides food and water? A bible, pen and lots of journals
What's the last book you read? Unqualified by Steven Furtick.
Who has inspired you in your life and why? My mother is my biggest inspiration. She is a woman of such integrity, she is very creative and I think I get a lot of my creativeness from her. She inspires me daily with her words of wisdom, humor and love for others. I am thankful that I was able to grow up in a house full of love because of her. She is hands down the best baker ever! I definitely did not get my baking skills from her, but I like to create bakery inspired products because of the delicious treats she creates.
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