Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Interview with The Arden Candle Co.

There is something so wonderful about a candle. For an item so simple and economic, it sure does make a big impact. We are big on candles at our house for decorating. I don't always burn them as much as I want because I don't want to "waste" them. Silly right?!?
. . .
I was so excited to do this interview with Allison of The Arden Candle Co. because with scents like Salty Ocean Air and Chocolate Milk...how could I not want to know more! Say hello to Allison and check out the sweet giveaway at the end!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a stay-at-home mom to a 3 year old boy, Xavier, and a 2 year old girl, Reese. I have been married for nearly 6 years and have the greatest husband a girl can ask for. I had a difficult time leaving the working world to stay at home so I decided to pick up a hobby and choose to try my hand at making candles. After a long, long time of testing waxes, wicks, fragrance oils, etc...the hobby turned into a business. I love all things crafty and when I am not tending to my little ones, I am making candles, cards, and my newest craft adventure - making clear stamps!
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WHAT DO YOU SELL IN YOUR ETSY SHOP: I sell hand poured spa candles in unique gift boxes.
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WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ETSY: My friend introduced me to Etsy years ago and I loved buying handmade items there. Then it occurred to me that I could expand my customer base by selling my candles on there.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR SHOP: Through Twitter and Facebook mostly...I've tried blogging but every time I set myself up to write an entry, I can't think of anything to write about. I am determined to get one up and going by summer though.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR SHOP: Ohh, that is tough. I love, love, love my Joe candles - they are White Tea and Ginger and smell so refreshing. I also love my Beau candles - which are Pink Grapefruit and Ginger and oh-so-fine! I also really dig my Xavier candles - which are Chocolate Milk and so many people are surprised when they burn them because they fall in love with the scent, it isn't really what you would expect at all. Kind of hard for me to pick one favorite item.
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WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOP GOAL IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS: I'd like to get my blog going and I'd like to have 50 sales through Etsy...baby steps...
FAVORITES (books, movies, music, etc.): I am sort of all over the place on all of these categories. As far as books go, I love Nelson Demille, and if you haven't read him, you should, he's very witty. I also like Tom Wolfe, John Grisham...and I can't help but love girly books like the Shopaholic books and anything else by Sophia Kinsella and most others that have a bright, colorful cover as I am walking through the library...yeah, sometimes I judge a book by it's cover. As far as movies go, I like so many...but some of my favorites are A Bronx Tale, American History X, Love Actually, Pretty Woman, Gran Turino, and The Hangover. Oh, and I just saw 500 Days of Summer and really enjoyed it. Okay...and music, I am all over the board on this one. I love Billy Joel, Elton John, Ben Folds, David Gray, Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Kevin Devine, Matt Pond PA, Ben Lee, Ben Kweller, Kenny Chesney, Patsy Cline, George Strait, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Eric Clapton, Huffamoose, and anything my brother plays.
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Thank you so much Allison, and I can't wait to try the candles out for myself.
The Giveaway: One candle from The Arden Candle Co. (see a list of scents here)
How to win: Leave a comment on this post by Friday, Feb. 5th at noon (EST)
One winner will be chosen!


44 comments:

Sydney said...

How wonderful for a hobby to turn into a business. I wish I could do something like this in order to stay home with my son. Congrats and I wish nothing but the best for you and your business. The Joe, Bob, and Beau scents sound particularly wonderful!

Grace Hester Designs said...

I could use some candles! It will take all restrain not to EAT the Chocolate Milk candle. :o)

Koukla Mou Designs said...

LOVE these! And the packaging is so attractive. I am a total "how the package looks, how the book cover looks, etc" buyer.

Unknown said...

mmm chocolate milk!! thanks for the opportunity!!

Joshlin said...

WoW! I love the packaging! I would like to try the Bethany-Macintosh Apple one!
savingmomssanity at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the chance to win! The interview was great--I love candles that are crafted with dedication. I would love to try the "blackberry sage" scent!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Jen said...

What a great blog you have here! I'm a friend of Allison, so I had to read her interview! Her candles are fabulous, and make your house smell great! So of course I'm leaving a comment because I'd love a chance to win a free candle too, my Xavier is almost all burned up ;)

Anonymous said...

Love the design--they are so pretty I would never want them to burn away! Thanks for the chance to win!
Beth
bethnaf at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love to havethe Sweet Pea and Vanilla and I love the fact that all the candles are named.

southypeach@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giveaway! The white tea and ginger candles sound amazing!
e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

This is such a kind giveaway!
Salty ocean air sounds like it would be my favorite, and these guys have great taste in books and movies!
<3

JuliaA said...

great interview.

salty ocean air sounds like a wonderful scent. i want a candle that reminds me of being on vacation!

Courtney said...

They all smell wonderful, trust me!

Allison is wonderful at all of her crafts whether they are her candles or her cards. Try her stuff you won't be disappointed :)

And I soooo love my Godson Xavier and his beautiful sister Reese :)

Jessica said...

I would love to win this candle! I would pick Pumpkin Pie! All the scents sound amazint!

rubynreba said...

Please enter me for the candle. They are so pretty! I'd really like to try the Emery - Sweet Pea and Vanilla. Thanks.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Hello, I'm Emily Clare. said...

I love the idea of a salty ocean air candle!

Anonymous said...

Great giveaway! I LOVE candles. I wish I had the talent to make candles. The Xavier – Chocolate Milk and Mom – Apple Jack and Peel sound really wonderful!
talonsmom731 at gmail dot com

Mama H said...

The salty ocean air is unique. I love the packaging.

chingley at comcast dot net

Allison (The Arden Candle Company) said...

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and compliments! A little background - I've named my candles after the people that are closest to me...it is my way to let my friends and family know that I really appreciate them! I forgot to mention in my blog interview, Lindsey (Honeysuckle and Jasmine) is a GREAT spring scent...it fills your home with the most delightful scent!

Thanks again for checking my candles out!

Wehaf said...

I think the Ellen scent sounds marvelous, and I think the packaging is gorgeous.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

The packaging for these candles are very very nice! I would love to try Beau scent.

bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...

love your packaging, i'd imagine the scent is just as beautiful! swapper13 at hotmail

Anonymous said...

These candles are packaged so well! Really pretty candles and a great selection of scents. Bethany (apple) is probably the one I would choose. Thanks for the chance to win! jeanette at splendidthings.etsy.com

Shelby said...

Your candles are the cutest! The sweet pea and vanilla scent sounds amazing!

srobinson8561 at bryan.edu

Homemade Beauty Review said...

I love the packaging. So chic and charming! I hope you meet your Etsy goal!

Angie said...

I think the Emery candle is that one I would like most! the packaging is really cute too!

Angie
rennieangie at gmail dot com

Stephanie said...

I love how all the candles have someone's name attached to them...how fun. I'm curious...when burning the chocolate milk candle, does it make one hungry?

stephanielcobb@yahoo.com

Lisa said...

Everything looks so well made. I'm surprised Allison has time to do such exceptional work while devoting everything to her 2 little ones. Hang in there!
the_outsider01AThotmailDOTcom

Jamie Kornokovich said...

Allison is one of the most energetic and creative gals I have known. Her candle line exudes that creativity and energy. Wonderful blog!

Caity said...

I am always so impressed by Allison. I love all the candles but Joe is my favorite.

Linda Kish said...

Chocolate milk sounds yummy.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Ash said...

It is awesome what she is doing! I love the packaging for the candles, very cute!!

demureprincess7@gmail.com

Mandee said...

I love candles. I am so happy you can stay at home and do what you love.
jerzycat99@yahoo.com

Tammy said...

I love the fact that your candles are named so personally :) Makes me feel even closer to the maker!

After your mention of the Chocolate Milk candle, I'm curious! The Traditional Pumpkin Pie candle sounds yummy, too. Come back, autumn!

Best of luck with your etsy shop! I just favorited you.

brinnet 'at' gmail [dot[ com

crystal said...

Great post and interview. I think that the Blackberry Sage sounds lovely;)
I also enjoyed checking out her other Etsy shop!!

cyclona66(at)aol(dot)com

Life Is A Lark said...

Love the names for the candles. I am really intrigued with the Xavier. Great interview and great blog.

Genevieve Sclawy said...

Your candles are so pretty. Enjoyed reading the interview :) Will be looking for your blog this summer

w said...

what a great giveaway! i love candles. thanks for the chance!

wendiwinn on etsy.

Insanitykim said...

What a lovely line of products she has created! Wonderful items and fun givaway! Thanks!

I can be reached via email on my blog

Anonymous said...

What a lovely shop! thanks so much for this chance!

Balance From Within said...

Lovely feature on Alison and great to get to know her better. I love her packaging and scent I would like the most is Bob aka Salty Ocean.

4smartmonkeys said...

Lovely giveaway! Such wonderful scents, Dogwood bloom sounds heavenly.

AmbreRose said...

Oh how cute! The boxes are so cute, something that I would give away as a present. I love the names of your scents. The Mary and Beau sound so heavenly. ambrerose(at)aol.com

Maria said...

the packing is just as cute!
beautiful products! :)
thanks!
maria.dalessandro@gmail.com