"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
This quote by Mary Lou Cook describes very well the creative process I have been on in the last 6 months. Uninspired and lacking direction, I decided to try my hand at candle-making and business ownership by opening a new candle company, Swan City Chandlery. Since opening an online shop in February, I have met the most kind and generous people who strongly desire to support small businesses. It has been very encouraging to know how many people want small businesses to thrive in their community.
Swan City Chandlery’s goal is to provide its customers with high-quality, 100% soy candles that burn cleanly and make their homes smell amazing. Each candle is hand-poured and crafted with high-quality phthalate-free fragrance oils. Some of our most popular fragrances include Fresh Squeezed Orange, Sea Salt & Orchid, Black Sea, and Lemon Layer Cake (smells just like the real thing). We offer a variety of vessels including glass tumbler jars, mason jars, and aluminum tins (perfect for travel). We have plans to expand our product line in the future, so stay tuned for more offerings.
One of the best parts of this new venture is meeting other small business owners and partnering with them to offer our customers beautiful products. Swan City Chandlery’s candles are now located in The Shop Across the Street and Bliss Health Spa, both of which are located in Lakeland and owned and operated by women. My most recent partnership is with The Savvy Succulent (also woman-owned) to offer candle/succulent gift boxes which include birthday, house-warming, and thinking-of-you gifts. It has been a rewarding experience to meet and work with like-minded women and support one another along the way.
I have always been interested in creating cozy spaces that feel warm and welcoming, and that’s part of what motivates me. If I can help my customers create a respite that welcomes their friends and loved ones, I will consider that a success.
If you’d like more information on our products, please visit our website Swan City Chandlery and follow along with me on Instagram
