Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie O’Connor and Laurie Alessi.
Christie, please share your story with us.
In 2008, I was browsing eBay and came upon a candle making kit that uses soy wax. I was intrigued ordered the kit. Suddenly, I found myself fixated on the process and inundated with so many candles that without finding a way to eliminate some, I wasn’t able to make more and that was NOT an option! I spoke to friends and started having ‘candle parties’ at their homes. the parties were successful and became very popular. I also came to realize that soy wax has so many benefits over paraffin; soy emits no carcinogens, burns clean-not smoky, uses U.S. grown soy, amongst others.
During those experimental times early on, my sister Laurie whose work is in art and design suggested making more decorative candle holders. She began to shop glassware, crystals and stones and came up with many unique and unusual pieces with which she created very distinctive and one of a kind pieces of art to use as the candle holders. She then began to bring our products (at that point, I had expanded my line to all natural body butter, organic based glycerin soaps and Himalayan sea salt scrubs) to small, local retail outlets. Our products are now sold at two Planet Juice stores (one in Delray Beach and one in Boca), the Historic Stranahan House gift shop in Ft. Lauderdale and Coastal Treasures at Sands Harbor hotel in Pompano. We also sell at two art festivals per year.
Christies Candles & Soaps also works with charities for their own fundraising, offering gift boxes, themed candles, and other requests within our means. (Deerfield Beach Historical Society, Relay for Life, Florida Humane Society and Furever Family). I am also juried and participate in 3 chapters of the Southern Handcraft Society: Delray chapter, West Broward chapter and Pembroke Pines chapter.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a struggle as it time-consuming. I have a website and have had numerous items in my “Etsy” store but have not have very good luck with online sales.
We have participated in craft shows over the years when we have just not had the sales and made little or no money,
Christie’s Candles & Soaps – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The thing that I am most proud of is the uniqueness and quality of the items that we sell. The glassware is cut and broken for aesthetics, uniqueness and one of a kind value. Due to my extensive research, the quality of my candles (correctness in burning, wick size and material, placement, etc.) is amongst the best not only in our experience, but by our return customers, sales, consumer, shopper comments and compliments.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Customers who come back year after year to purchase items specifically from Christie’s Candles & Soaps.
Pricing:
- Glycerin soap slices are $5 each
- Soy candles range from $5-$50
Contact Info:
- Address: 2030 Discovery Circle East
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 - Website: christiescandles.com
- Phone: 954-621-6262
- Email: theatergirl59@att.net
- Instagram: christies_candles
- Facebook: Christie’s Candles & Soaps
- Other: etsy.com/shop/candlesbychristie
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