Jackie Weber, of Jaxx Candles won the monthly challenge with her cool striped star floating candles. I had the pleasure of interviewing her and here is what she had to say.
Trade-A-Holics: How did you come up with your winning design?
Jaxx Candles: For the summer I think floating candles are nice additions to outdoor parties. I found star molds and thought they would be perfect. Then I got the idea to make them in layers of red, white and blue to have stars AND stripes!
Trade-A-Holics: How did you come up with your winning design?
Jaxx Candles: For the summer I think floating candles are nice additions to outdoor parties. I found star molds and thought they would be perfect. Then I got the idea to make them in layers of red, white and blue to have stars AND stripes!
TAH: How long have you been crafting?
Jaxx: I have been a crafter all my life, but have been making candles since 2002.
TAH: Who taught you?
Jaxx: As for candle making, I began by reading books and experimenting. In more recent years I have joined forums and candle organizations where I have met other candle makers who willingly share their experiences. I have also used the Internet for research. And I even attended a candle workshop where I learned a lot from experienced candle makers.
TAH: Do you have any formal training in any crafting/art subject?
Jaxx: As stated above I have read a lot, experimented a lot, and met and learned a lot from other candle makers, but I am not sure that would be considered formal training.
TAH: When did you open your Etsy store?
Jaxx: November 2010
TAH: Do you have other venues you sell at, like craft shows or other online stores?
Jaxx: I do sell at local craft shows. I also have online stores through Etsy and ByTheseHands.com. I also sell my products at a store in my hometown that caters to local artisans.
Jaxx: I have been a crafter all my life, but have been making candles since 2002.
TAH: Who taught you?
Jaxx: As for candle making, I began by reading books and experimenting. In more recent years I have joined forums and candle organizations where I have met other candle makers who willingly share their experiences. I have also used the Internet for research. And I even attended a candle workshop where I learned a lot from experienced candle makers.
TAH: Do you have any formal training in any crafting/art subject?
Jaxx: As stated above I have read a lot, experimented a lot, and met and learned a lot from other candle makers, but I am not sure that would be considered formal training.
TAH: When did you open your Etsy store?
Jaxx: November 2010
TAH: Do you have other venues you sell at, like craft shows or other online stores?
Jaxx: I do sell at local craft shows. I also have online stores through Etsy and ByTheseHands.com. I also sell my products at a store in my hometown that caters to local artisans.
Jaxx: I love many of them, but I would have to say my long stem roses are one of my favorites. From a simple single rose, to a full bouquet, they are beautiful and everyone who has received them just loves them.
TAH: Where do you gain inspiration for your items?
Jaxx: EVERYWHERE! I see containers and think, ‘wow, that would make a nice candle!’ I see home decor and envision how my candles could fit into the different designs. I live and breathe candles and candle making. It is definitely my passion.
TAH: Do you feel like you have found a niche for the items you sell?
Jaxx: I am working on that. Candles come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. I have customers from all age groups. I offer every day products, but I also offer unique one of a kind items and targeting this market has been a bit trickier. I obviously want to cater to a large number of consumers, but I have definitely started small and will continue to expand and define my niche areas.
TAH: What advice can you give your fellow team members?
Jaxx: One thing I have learned is to do what you love. Candle making is my passion and I seem to have endless energy for it. If you do what you love the rest should fall into place. It is not easy, though, and takes hard work, but is so rewarding.
Jaxx: I am working on that. Candles come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. I have customers from all age groups. I offer every day products, but I also offer unique one of a kind items and targeting this market has been a bit trickier. I obviously want to cater to a large number of consumers, but I have definitely started small and will continue to expand and define my niche areas.
TAH: What advice can you give your fellow team members?
Jaxx: One thing I have learned is to do what you love. Candle making is my passion and I seem to have endless energy for it. If you do what you love the rest should fall into place. It is not easy, though, and takes hard work, but is so rewarding.
Thank you again to Jackie and to Arina! Next month's challenge details will be up shortly, so stay tuned!!!!!!!!
