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March 2005's Diva
Kathy Layne of
www.TwoBlueCandleCo.com
After quitting our 'stable and smart' corporate jobs in Atlanta several years ago, my then-boyfriend-now-hubby and I threw our worldly goods into storage, packed up the car with essentials, broke the news to the dog, bought her a cool red hobo bandanna, and the three of us headed for places and sights unknown.
After several months of camping and the occasional night of sleeping in the car, we decided to settle down in Maine (yes, brrr cold). Hubby was building windsor chairs and I was crafting my heart out in our little rented house on the coast. Romantic, eh?
In February, 2002 Two Blue Candle Co. was born, (named after the above-referenced blue-eyed dog). I delighted in creating super-smelling, great-burning candles. I'd always loved playing with wax. (And still do!) After a couple of years working in a small workshop off the kitchen, hubby and I relocated so that I could have a larger space in South Florida (yes, whew hot).
I really and truly pour each candle by hand, (and usually package them myself too!). Using only the highest quality waxes and fragrance oils, I neurotically test all of my candles to ensure they are held to the highest standards (mine!)
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The Gallery
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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:
Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Kathy Layne: I'm Kathy Layne, Candlemaker & Business Owner
Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Kathy Layne: Sunny South Florida, right at the edge of the Everglades!
Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Kathy Layne: Two Blue Candle Co. I make and sell hand-poured, highly-scented candles.
Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Kathy Layne: Most orders come directly from my website (http://www.twobluecandleco.com)... but my candles can also be found in select boutiques and spas throughout the country.
Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Kathy Layne: I'm a perfectionist about most things in my life except... my closets and drawers. I am a closet clutterbug! I'm sure there's some psychological reason I'm that way... not sure I want to know what it is though!
The Nitty Gritty:
Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Kathy Layne: My hubby and I had just relocated to Maine and I had no job at first so I took advantage of my "new-found freedom" to explore my crafty side. I started pouring candles like mad - testing different scent combos, formulas, suppliers, etc. Pretty soon our little house was over-run with scented candles and I decided I had to do something more productive with my life and candle obsession!
Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Kathy Layne: I've never run my own business before, but I do have a degree in economics plus I've had a pretty varied work experience, from retail to sports licensing to internet consulting - I draw on all my experiences everyday to help me run Two Blue.
Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Kathy Layne: The internet is jam-packed with great resources on running a small business. Read all you can... and take lots of notes.
Girlposse.com: How did you first become interested in creating candles?
Kathy Layne: I've always been a candle-lover, but probably even more than that I've always been attracted (some may even say obsessed!) with smells... looking back on it, creating highly scented candles was probably a natural choice for me.
Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Kathy Layne: It seems I've always loved playing with wax... but I've been selling my candles for 3 years now.
Girlposse.com: Do you really make each one by hand?
Kathy Layne: Yes! And usually package them myself too... I'm a bit of a control freak!
Girlposse.com: How does the internet play a part of your business?
Kathy Layne: I would not have a business without the internet! I really don't have the desire right now to run a "brick & mortar" storefront... I'd rather spend my time pouring candles.
Girlposse.com: Selling something like scented candles must be a challenge on-line. How do
you overcome the fact that people can't "smell before they buy"?
Kathy Layne: Challenge is an understatement... I'm desperately hoping for scratch & sniff technology! But I do try to make my scent descriptions fun to read and as accurate as possible. I know that once people place their first order - they're hooked! So I try hard to gain their trust to actually place that first order with me. I also *always* include free scent samples with each order so people can "sniff" as many scents as possible.
Girlposse.com: How do your candles stand apart from others available?
Kathy Layne: Quality! My candles really DO scent the room they're in... plus some. I test my candles constantly (my husband says obsessively!) and use only the highest quality materials and oils... I would never send out a candle I am not 100% confident about.
Girlposse.com: You offer custom work as well as your candle line. Have you ever been surprised by a request?
Kathy Layne: Yes! A bacon-scented candle! Still working on that one...
Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Kathy Layne: I am always testing new scents and candle styles. I'd go batty if I had to pour the same scents all the time!
Girlposse.com: What is YOUR favorite scent?
Kathy Layne: My personal favorite is "Kristin Rose"... it's so much more than just a "Rose" scent - it has so many layers to it... also - it's named after my beautiful, creative and artistic niece Kristin so it will always hold a place close to my heart.
Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Kathy Layne: My two pups Zoe and Patrick keep me grounded throughout the day. Taking a nice long walk with them in the sun always clears my mind... but I would not be doing any of this without the love and support of my husband Steve. He is always there when I need advice, a helping hand... or just a hug.
Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Kathy Layne: I love shopping online (I just refuse to battle the crowds at the mall!) But I also love to spend time in little hole-in-the-wall used bookshops. I love the smell of old books!
Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Kathy Layne: You've got to spend money to make money. Especially with my craft... there is so much testing involved in making a high quality candle - all that testing takes lots of money (and time!)... and then there's always marketing, packaging, your website... some things you just can't "skimp" on if you want to run a successful business and stand out from the crowd.
Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Kathy Layne: Don't give up! Surround yourself with a strong network of people who can support you during hard times... believe in yourself and your goals and above all... make sure you love what you do.
Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know
about?
Kathy Layne: Carrie Sommer of Sommer Designs (http://www.sommerdesigns.com) makes some of the most gorgeous handmade bags I've ever seen... plus she's a super nice person to boot!
~March 2005
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Your Chance to Win!
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 Two Blue for Two (You and a Friend!!!)
During the month of March, Kathy is giving you a chance to win the scent of your choice in this 3x6 mottled pillar ... plus.. you'll get to pick a friend to receive a great gift set, too!! Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!
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Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
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2005 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
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2003 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame
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