Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Whitten.
Hi Holly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
This all started from a sheer interest in the process. I would watch videos on how they were made and just wonder how these people had come up with their formulas and designs. Once I mentioned being mesmerized by the videos and the process to a few people, they were very excited and urged me to do it. I took their advice and sort of let it go in one ear and out the other. I honestly didn’t think I had the knack for this sort of craft, as I have never been a crafty person at all. I have tried so many crafting projects, and they come out looking like a three-year-old made them. When I was a kid, my mother who is very skilled at the art of crocheting, tried to teach me. I got so frustrated that I threw the yarn and the needle across the room!
My niece is getting married this year, and she approached me several months back and asked me if I would make some snap-bar style wax melts with botanicals for her wedding shower. I agreed that I would try to learn the process and make some for her. I have a wonderful friend that, oddly enough, I met on Etsy! I purchased wax melts from her, and we became friends after she had asked my opinion on something. I ran all of this by her, and she is the one who really gave me the push and set me up to start! She very graciously surprised me with ten pounds of wax and a ton of fragrance oils in the mail, so I could start practicing! I quickly found myself obsessed and enjoyed every second of what I was doing. Suddenly, out of what felt like nowhere, I had creativity, and I was doing all of the pretty things I envisioned in my head! I took it a step further back in May and registered my business with the county so I could start doing craft shows and selling on Etsy. I never saw myself as a small business owner. It was never something that I wanted to do, but I am so glad I did it! It has been so rewarding!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it was so hard for me to “get into a groove” and work without completion and total anxiety. I was scared I would mess things up and not be able to make my products give off the strong scent throw that I wanted. Everything about the process scared me. After some practice, some bad batches, help from my friend and just learning, I was able to work and be relaxed in the process and just enjoy it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have worked for Texas Oncology for almost 21 years in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic. I am in the billing department and have multiple responsibilities there. I love being a part of that team and love the people I work with.
What matters most to you?
My children and my family matter most to me. I became a mother at 22 years old and have loved every second of it. My entire life has revolved around them, and I am so proud of the people they have become. I have an amazing boyfriend of ten years, and he has been such a wonderful partner in life. He is always encouraging me, and I couldn’t do this life without him. I also have my parents and my sister, who have been by my side through everything in life, and I am so grateful to them. I just want to make them all proud.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/TheWaxLab22
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/the.wax.lab
- Facebook: facebook.com/thewaxlab22
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@the_wax_lab
