Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah D. Allen.
Sarah, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
One idea leads to another idea, and then all those ideas lead to “the one” idea that fires your soul. Who knew it would be candles!?!? After graduating from college, I began my sales career and worked for a national company for 10+ years which I loved. During that time I lived in two different states, worked out of three different offices, and had hours and hours of valuable sales training. There were times I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else and only wanted to move up within the company.
Well, after meeting my husband and moving to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area from Houston and having my second child ideas started flowing in my head. I stopped working full time to start my own business and created an online home & decor store. I wanted a candle line on the website and to take to events, so I purchased private label candles from a company and put my own labels on them. One day my husband and I walked into an awesome shop in the Bishops Arts District, and I fell in love with the look of their candles. I left that day with a new idea, and I was determined to create my own candle line! After a year of researching, testing candles, finding the perfect wax, perfect wicks, labels, packaging, etc. 76008 Candle Co. was launched. Next month is the 1st Anniversary, and after all the mistakes and experiences this past year, it has been incredible!
There is something very cool about hand making your own product and knowing each candle has a personal touch. Candles have become a part of the family, and the kids love to help or at least try. LOL! Totally looking forward to what the future holds for 76008 Candle Co.!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Have you ever received a gift that was unique and one of a kind? That is what is so awesome about handmade anything, its special! Our candles are hand poured in small batches, and each step in the process is done by hand. I feel pride with each candle that is poured and it feels like part of me is within them. On pouring days I always make sure to have music blaring and make it fun!
Check out our brief handmade candle process (cliffs note version lol) :
1. Melt wax
2. Heat jars
3. Mix fragrance with melted wax
4. Place wicks in the jars
5. Pour wax in candle jars (small batches)
NEXT DAY:
6. Use a heat gun to melt wax around wicks and poke holes around to check for air bubbles (helps with candle burning)
7. Wipe jars clean
8. Put on labels and lids
As you can tell there are many steps in the hand made process but so worth it! When my candles go out the door, I take pride in knowing they were made with love and attention to each one.
No matter what your idea or dream is, find the courage to go after it. It isn’t easy launching a new product especially one that you handmade but just do it! And remember one idea can lead to another idea and mistakes help you grow (I have made plenty). #youdoyou
Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.” – Chuck Klosterman
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I believe artists today have to deal with a lot of competition and fast turnaround expectations from customers. We live in a world of a lot of mass production which can be beneficial but doesn’t always mean quality. In recent years you are hearing more and more people embracing hand made products, and that is exciting. Artists have to encourage each other and learn from others. Cities could collaborate more with artisans and communities to create more events and publicize the benefit of artists and handmade items more.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Our candles can be found:
Website: 76008candleco.com
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/76008CandleCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/76008candleco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/76008candleco/
We do different markets throughout the year including Dallas Home/Gift Market in June and January and those events/dates are updated on our website.
All candle purchases goes towards helping someone who may need a helping hand. Ask how. Thank you!
Contact Info:
- Address: Aledo, TX
- Website: 76008candleco.com
- Phone: 8178078631
- Email: contactus@76008candleco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/76008candleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/76008candleco/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/76008CandleCo
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
