SFP Editor: How did you get involved in the candle business?
Christina: I had lost my job and needed fast money to pay rent and bills. My
friend told me about this candle party thing that she heard about. She
called her friend and gave me the number of the consultant who did the
demonstration, I called her and the rest is history. I've been a
consultant now for over 5 years and I just love it!!
SFP Editor: What do you like about candles?
Christina: Candles are a great way to add spice to your life! They can make a
room warm and friendly for guests. Romantic for that special someone.
They make great gifts and are very affordable. They come in a great
variety based on shape, size, color or fragrance so you can choose them
based on your own taste.
SFP Editor: What role do you see candles playing in people's
lives?
Christina: Candles have therapeutic value, especially related to stress and
anxiety. They can be very calming and cause a general feeling of well
being. They can also create an atmosphere of spirituality.
SFP Editor:
Where do you get your candles and who makes them?
Christina: The candles are made by Colonial Candle of Cape Cod, founded in
1909
by Mabel Kimbell Baker. The direct sales company, PartyLite was founded
in 1973 as an outlet for the excess inventory of candles. It opened
with 3 employees and has grown today to over 400 home office employees
and over 20,000 consultants.
SFP Editor: Is there formal training of candlemaking?
Christina: No, there is no formal training for candle making, however, we do
have a video on how the candles are made and it's truly amazing to see
how it's done.
SFP Editor: What do you do when you are not selling candles?
Christina: I am a Telecommunications/Technical Support Specialist for
Pillsbury
Winthrop LLP. Basically handling the day to day telephone and voice
mail needs of over 200 employees. I am also a backup for many other
Information Technology needs.
SFP Editor: Do you know about the history of candles?
Christina: Yes, the history of candles dates back to 3000BC with the discovery
of ancient Egyptian candlesticks. The oldest bit of a real candle from
the first century was found in France. The Romans made candles with
wicks and wax in much the same way as we do.
Candles became very
important for religious observances in Christian churches. In fact,
there was a special day set aside to bless candles - Candlemas,
February
2 and many churches still observe this practice. Tallow (the fat from
animals) and beeswax continue to be commonly used when making candles
at
home.
Soon the making of candles became a craft in the thirteenth
century in both England and France there were groups of candle makers
organized into guilds. In the nineteenth century, chemist found other
substances to make fine candles, stearic acid and paraffin. Good wax
and dependable wicks made candles that burned clean and virtually
smokeless.
Candles were ready for the next steps toward the rich
variety and beautiful colors and fragrances that we enjoy now. Molding
machines were developed that could product large numbers of candles at
prices that everyone could afford. Computers came next, bringing the
ability to precisely measure each bit of color and fragrance for each
batch of candles. The candle made by Colonial Candle of Cape Cod that
you buy from PartyLite, is the finest candle possible after a long and
proud history.
SFP Editor:Why do you think candles make a good gift?
Christina: Candles make a good gift because it gives a feeling of warmth and
compassion to the recipient. It is a very affordable gift as well.
The
fragrances and aromas can promote positive feelings. Candles are a
multi-billion dollar industry in this country, it's very possible that
every home has one.
SFP Editor: What is the neatest and weirdest candle you have
sold?
Christina: I think that the neatest candle that I've ever sold is our 3 wick
candle. 8 pounds of candle wax that burns over 300 hours. I would
also
have to mention our square taper candle, it has a very unique burn and
you can only get them from Colonial.
Let me know if I can offer other info. I know that you are going to
enjoy the party, I'm looking forward to it.
