Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Rowe.
Hi Liz, 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?
About 20 years ago, I began working in product development for a candle company. I had previously worked in apparel and then in cosmetics, so I was really excited to start to work in a new product category that I was really passionate about. I’ve always loved candles, so it was a dream come true! Over the decades, I worked with retailers to develop and produce their home fragrance department products. It’s been an amazing experience, and it allowed me to learn the process of making candles from beginning to end.
Then, last September while on a friend’s trip out of state, I visited a candle making studio, and it changed my life! It was so creative and fun, and I realized this was exactly what I wanted to do in my city, back home. That is how Pacific Oaks Candle Studio was born!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The process of starting Pacific Oaks has been a wild ride! From finding our location, to designing the store, sourcing all the candle vessels, and now working on marketing the studio, there have been ups and downs the whole way. I’m grateful for the learning experience, but there are some days that are definitely not for the faint of heart! Our biggest challenge has been calculating the budget to set the studio up. Although we diligently worked on our business plan, there were so many details we didn’t not realize we would need. It’s been a challenge to cut costs where we can, and to take a deep breath for costs we did not expect.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pacific Oaks Candle Studio is a custom candle making studio located in Westlake Village, CA. We offer people the chance to make their own custom candle from scratch. The process entails choosing a candle vessel from our over 60 options, blending their own signature scent, and then building the candle step by step. It’s a great chance to visit and socialize with friends and loved ones while being creative and having an artistic experience.
I am most proud of the community and environment we are creating through each customer’s visit. It is truly a fun way to spend some time and to connect with one another and it is our hope that people feel welcome and relaxed when they visit us.
We are able to accommodate individuals, small groups, and even large groups. Pacific Oaks is a great place for a date night, friend’s night out, celebration, or corporate team building event.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up with a very creative mother! She was the type of person that knocked down walls and sewed clothes from scratch. She definitely influenced me to be a very creative and hands-on kiddo and I think that is why making candles is so fun for me as an adult. I just love mixing my fragrances to create a new scent each time and making a new creation.
Pricing:
- $50 – $70 per candle (plus tax)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pacificoakscandlestudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacificoakscandlestudio/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pacific-oaks-candle-studio-westlake-village
Image Credits
Photography by Vanessa Stump
Instagram @Vanessa_Stump
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