Good Morning Travelers!
It dawned on me tonight that some of you coming across my website, DONT KNOW ME! I know that's a silly thing to have dawn on you, but it inspired me to share where this passion and genuine love to craft started.
So first Question. Why Candles?
Well, candles, my friends, are just the beginning of what I intend to create and pass on at Critical Craft & Co. I eventually intend to expand into making fantasy, and table top roleplaying game accessories as well. I also have 2 lines of subscription based mystery boxes planned out for years to come as well. But those don't really answer this question. Though it shares my intentions, it doesn't answer the why candles question.
My very first wax pour was actually as a favor for my wedding! I met my husband online on TWITCH streaming The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of time for Zelda's 30th anniversary featuring 30 hours game play, giveaways, and frantic Abi themed antics. My community really blessed me that day, brining in tons of raids, and subs, and views, and I had by far one of the most successful streams I have ever had. But obviously the best gift I got, was a lifetime best friend. Brought in with a raid from a fellow Zelda lover, Audiokat entered the chat. Then we dated, blah blah blah, I WAS THE ONE WHO PROPOSED... cause I'm bipolar and impatient, and blah blah blah years later there was a beautiful wedding in Solvang California. OH THE CANDLES. So the Candle that I poured for the favor was inspired by the Lon Lon Milk bottles in the game. They were 3oz, soy wax candles, with a gentle vanilla scent (i also left some unscented because I know vanilla is an headache scent for some - including my mother). Pouring a wedding list load of these candles was one of the most fun crafts I've ever done. One of my bridesmaids even helped me get them all completed, and it was really fun to get to do with her as well.
These candles were a HIT! My wedding guests loved them, and those who were big Zelda fans loved the nod to our favorite ranch of the realm. I then was given the idea from a guest "Why not sell these on etsy! They'd go viral!" I laughed at the thought, but then I thought about it for a moment. It would be fun to see what could happen if I posted a listing on Etsy for these handmade cuties.
Now, my candle didn't go viral. (YET!) haha! But it did create a candle making fiend out of me. I branched out and made more candles; potions, and iced coffees at first. That's when I realized that people LOVE the realistic candles, and honestly, so did I. The more realistic I made them look, the more interesting they were. And that is what brings me to this relaunch. I've spent about 7 months in a hiatus perfecting recipes, inspiring myself with the next line I'd relaunch when I was able to return.
With this relaunch I have ~60 candle concepts I will be bringing to life. In the Next blog post I will share the timeline ideals with you all. I am excited to be returning, and hoping that with this website being more of my own (not entirely I have to appease the shopify gods), I hope to really create a special experience for everyone.
This has already turned into a TLDR. But thanks to those who made it to the end!