Meet Cheryl LaVelle | Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheryl LaVelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I love this question! Most people are unaware of how much time and work goes into formulating a well-burning candle that also smells fantastic! I start testing my summer line at the beginning of January and my fall/winter line begins the testing process in the springtime, if not a little earlier. This is because there are industry standards for a candle to burn below a certain temperature throughout the lifecycle of the candle. When a candle jar reaches above that set temperature a candle is said to have “failed” and the candle maker then needs to try a new wick, fragrance oil amount, or a new scent from a different company. The possible combinations of wick, wax, and oil number in the thousands. This testing phase is where the candle makers get to be the most creative, but it is also the most time-consuming and frustrating part of making candles. It can take a couple of months, or more sometimes, from the conception of a new scent to creating the perfect candle that is ready for sale.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Blue Spruce Candles was started just after I decided to stop working as a teacher to stay home with my daughter. I was looking for ways to create a sense of peace and relaxation in my house through the candles I was burning. My daughter has had some medical needs that took some time to discover and treat such as chronic ear infections and acid reflux. It became a huge challenge to grow my business through in-person markets and local stores because I needed to care for her and attend doctor appointments. So, instead of beating myself up about a slower growth model, I focused on creating the perfect candles. Candle testing can take months and a couple of my candles are currently in month four of testing and adjustment. Having that time at home with my daughter allowed me to really spend the time testing, burning, measuring, and charting the life of the candles. I am incredibly proud of how well my candles burn, how long they burn, and how consistent their scent is when burning.

It can often be tough to step back and take a slower growth model for your business when so often we measure success by the number of sales and amount of dollars made. I want others to know that it is ok to grow at a pace that fits you and your family. If slow growth is part of your plan, take advantage of that time to perfect your product and really learn what your customers want from you so that when you are ready for growth, you will hit the market with a killer product. This advice also applies to our current economy where some businesses are experiencing slow sales. I would say to embrace the time you have because creating a well-made product is something that will outlast any downtime or slow season of your business.

What I want the world to know about Blue Spruce Candles is that it is a company of integrity that cares about the types of scented products you bring into your home. I only release one or two new scents per season because I spend the time creating a quality product. People can count on Blue Spruce Candles to consistently offer high-quality candles designed to create moments of calm in an otherwise hectic world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My happy spot in Colorado, and the reason I moved here, is the mountains. Whenever someone comes to visit a trip to the mountains is a must! We would start our trip with a visit towards Evergreen and make our way to Echo Lake for a hike past the lake and into the woods. We would spend a few hours on the hike and then make our way down into Idaho Springs where we would refuel at East Bound & Down with food and beer. Then we would spend some time shopping at the Soap Shop where they have the best handmade soaps and lotions, plus it is a super cute store! Finally, we would hit up the Georgetown Loop Railroad for a scenic ride on a steam train. I fell in love with this area of Colorado after reading books by local author, Sandra Dallas.

Denver also has great sports teams, and nothing can beat an afternoon of food and drinks at the Cherry Cricket followed by a Rockies game for an evening of summer baseball. On other summer nights, we would grab a bottle of wine, meats, and cheese from St. Kilian’s Cheese Shop and head to Denver Botanic Gardens for an evening of food, drink, and laughter among the blooming flowers.

We would finish their vacation with a couple-day trip up to Steamboat Springs because that is my favorite Colorado mountain town! Nothing beats a summer day spent hiking around the local trails followed by a relaxing soak in the warm waters of Strawberry Hot Springs or a lazy saunter through town sampling cocktails and appetizers from the amazing restaurants in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a huge shoutout to two local businesses. I have always loved collaboration and working with others, so when I began a small business, I often felt like I was alone on an island. Last summer that changed when I met two other small business owners who took me under their wings. Laura from Sole by La and Cassie from Lux and Luca have both been instrumental in guiding me with both mentorship and friendship. These two amazing ladies have been an incredible source of knowledge, guidance, and support throughout my journey as an entrepreneur. Whenever I have a question or need advice, they are always there to provide me with valuable insights and help me make the best decisions for my business. But what I love most about my mentor is their positive and friendly attitude. They genuinely care about my success and go above and beyond to make sure I have the tools and resources I need to thrive, both as a small business and in life as a wife, mom, and friend.

Website: www.bluesprucecandles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluesprucecandlecompany/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluesprucecandleco/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bluesprucecandlecompany