Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Calandro.
Hi Mindy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a registered respiratory therapist, and after COVID 19 started, I needed an outlet to take my mind off work and destress at home. I have always had an obsession with candles, and decided to start making them. I also wanted to make them with all-natural products, like soy wax. As an RT I know the importance of sensitivity with people who may have asthma or allergies. I would give these handmade candles as gifts to family and friends, and ask for feedback. I then started selling them, and it kind of took on a life of its own. I loved the feeling of people loving something I made and put my heart into. I started then doing pop-up markets and craft shows, which were very successful for me. Now I’m starting to sell in local retailers, which is so surreal. I have a 5-year goal, and that is to open up my own brick and mortar, so keep a lookout for that in the future!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a fun journey for sure, but it hasn’t been a smooth road. Candle-making is A LOT of trial and error. I almost destroyed our kitchen more than once. I would say to my husband, “What am I doing here!?” and “I’m shutting this down now”. But he is so supportive, and encouraged me to keep trying. Getting the candle to burn and smell just right takes time and patience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a registered respiratory therapist of 13 years at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. I used to work in critical care, pediatric/neonatal, emergency, and end-of-life care. I now specialize in diagnostic pulmonary testing. So, when COVID 19 hit, I was pulled back into the ICU to work with those patients. I’m proud to be cross-trained to have a wide skill set in my career. Being an RT is very stressful and exhausting but also very rewarding.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband deserves so much credit. He is always my biggest supporter with anything I do. My family is also a huge support, they helped me spread the word about my business. My friends and coworkers have also been so supportive.
Pricing:
- $20 for 12-ounce soy candles in glass vessel
- $25 for 13-ounce soy candles in ceramic vessels
- $60 for 40-ounce 3 wick soy candle in ceramic vessel
- $90 for 70-ounce 5 wick soy candle in ceramic vessel
Contact Info:
- Email: smokeandmirrorscandles@gmail.com
- Website: etsy.com/shop/SmokeandMirrorsCoUs
- Instagram: @smokemirrorscandles
- Facebook: facebook@snifandshop
Image Credits
Erin Stubblefield Weddings and Portraiture
