Today we’d like to introduce you to Nickie Crow.
Nickie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, I would have to say it all started with my love of candles and how they made me feel. Candles, I believe are an experience! They soothe you, make your home feel cozy & warm, or bright, fresh and vibrant. They lift your spirit and create ambiance in your space. So I set out to create a beautiful quality handmade candle that smells amazing and would give you that experience!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has definitely been a few challenges along the way. A candle is a little chemical reaction factory and the science behind it, in and of its self can be a very complicated process.
There’s the different waxes, fragrances, wicks and how they all work together makes for a challenging process. But when it all comes together harmoniously, it is a good feeling!
The last two years has complicated things due to supply chain issues. A lot of my suppliers have limited quantity available, or out of stock. Their processing time takes longer so juggling products and shipments arriving on time has been challenging. However, it is getting better and hope it will continue to smooth out.
All those things are just logistics but the biggest challenge was when the wax I had been using and loved completely changed. It caused all kinds of technical issues, which was very stressful. After a very inconvenient process I had to change manufacturers and it was like starting over from scratch!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Well, I wear many hats! Besides being a candle maker, small business owner, I am always researching new fragrances, blending fragrances and looking for new ideas and products to add to my brand. Also, the design element for my brand name, logo and color scheme was all based around my top selling candle, French Market. It’s a heavy floral of jasmine, gardenia, tuber rose and arris blossom. It’s amazing! It will fill your home with a luscious fragrance. I have die hard French Market fans that only burn that fragrance and even call it their signature scent! I love that!
As a business owner, I love to hear back from customers and see photos of them burning their candle. It makes me feel very connected to them. Or, when someone contacts me and tells me they were given one of my candles as a gift and it’s the best candle they’ve ever had. That truly is so gratifying.
One thing I would like to touch on is the importance of candle maintenance or candle care tips. A candle needs to be cared for and maintained by trimming the wick before each lighting. I am surprised how many people don’t trim the wick when they light a candle. It is recommended to trim wicks for not only safety but it will make your candle last longer. A simple rule to follow is a “Small flame = slow burn.”
There are so many candle brands out there and I hope what sets me apart is my brand, premium quality ingredients, clean scents, hand made luxury candles that are highly scented and long burning!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
As with any business adventure your family is involved in some way or another. So let me start with my husband and son who encouraged me to go for it and start my business back in 2010.
They are my hidden team of heavy lifters, because candle supplies are heavy and so are boxes of candles. They always help with transporting everything to events, pop up markets, deliveries to boutiques and shipping. Shipping during the holidays can be 80 – 100 boxes at a time.
2020 was a difficult year as I was diagnosed with breast cancer. They rallied behind me with so much love and support through three surgeries and chemo all during a pandemic. They are amazing! I am so grateful for them and all they do as my constant support system!
I am beyond blessed and grateful to all my family and friends who surround me, help me prepare for events and support me in more ways than I can count.
Of course to my loyal customers who without them there would be no candle business!
Thank you! I love you all!!!
Pricing:
- $40 – 20 oz Signature Square
- $25 – 11 oz Classic Tumbler
Contact Info:
- Email: info@frenchmarketcandleco.com
- Website: https://frenchmarketcandleco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchmarketcandleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frenchmarketcandleco
