Mother's Day is a great time to reflect on what our Moms have given us. My Mom is especially celebrated on this day and this year we actually will be spending the day together! This is a rare occassion as we live 21 hour drive apart. My mom was and is an amazing women. She not only raised (with my great Dad) 5 children, but also attended to our every need. She did all the normal "Mom" things but the most important gift she gave me is my Catholic faith and my relationship with God. Thanks MOM for all you have done for me and all that you continue to do. I LOVE YOU! Celebrate your Mom on May 8th!

I believe Valentine's Day is a day to show all of those you love how much you appreciate them. I don't think it is just for couples. Make a friend's day by doing something nice, getting a card for them, grabbing some coffee (or a diet coke, my personal addiction) sending a little note in your kid's lunchbox. Do you have any other ideas to share on how to share your appreciation on Valentine's Day?





Instead of Candy or Flowers, stop by our website and grab a quick candle or gift set, so easy, so fast and will surely last longer than candy or flowers.





http://www.galenacandle.com/

Living Windows

This past weekend Galena hosted "LIVING WINDOWS". The weather was snowy (really picture perfect). Most of the stores in town did something fun in their window with "live" people. Here is a picture of our little elfs making pretty pictures for the window.

Goat's Milk Soaps

NEW Goat's Milk Soaps - handmade with raw milk from farm fresh goats. Soften your dry or sensitive skin with this incredible natural moisturizer. Our most popular fragrance is sandalwood/patchouli. Check it out on our website:

www.galenacandle.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day! a BEAUTIFUL Day in Galena. The parade starts at 5:30 and we are ready with our picture in the window (illustrated by my son). We are starting to see some familiar faces as we get into the "season". Stop by the store when you are in town....we have lots of fun new items from shampoo bars, whipped ice cream soap, shower fizzies, and a new line of goat's milk products. Hope to see you soon :)

Does he look like a deer caught in the headlights?

He is my co-owner, co-parenter, co-habitator, husband Todd. I tend to get most of the "credit" when it comes to our business, but really it is Todd who is the brains behind our business and our life path. There are some days when I question, prod, and just downright nag him (he gives me the same look as this photo)..but we do enjoy what we are doing. I have often thought that a reality show on start-up companies who happen to be married would be interesting and maybe a little disturbing.

Here's to my other half, the one who dreams, imagines things bigger than I can, the one who drives our business to the next level....while I hang on and enjoy the ride!

January Shows

Hi all:

When the store slows down in January, we don't take a vacation or just relax...oh no, that would be too easy! We headed to Atlanta, Minneapolis and Chicago for gift shows. And we don't just go to see what new products are out there that would fit into our store....that would be too easy too! No, we set up a booth and present our eco dotz candle creation stations to other retailers who may be interested in this concept for their stores. We had a great month and met so many nice new people. We did well too and sold lots of lots of accounts. Thanks in part to our new reping company Beth Bingham and Co. who is helping us get ourselves established in this gift industry.

Thanks also to my great sister Julie who attended the Atlanta show with us. So much fun catching up with her and picking her amazing brain about how to structure our brand, and channel strategy. Her input has been instrumental in our growth plans.

So, now the work begins! We are busy getting the orders together and shipped to all of our wonderful new accounts. Check out our eco dotz website for more information about our new wholesale divison. www.ecodotz.com