We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Long a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

I have been fortunate to be a chandler (candlemaker) since 2017 and I find immense joy in doing so. I love to create candles that have a lasting impression on others. In February of 2021, I received a request from someone I knew, but had not kept in close contact with. She informed me that she wanted to create a custom candle to give as gifts to loved ones. Well, this was not an unusual request as I create custom candles and labels often. However, this request was different. She proceeded to tell me that she wanted to honor family and friends who supported her while she was recovering from a series of illnesses over the past 7 years.

She wanted a candle that would be a representation of her personality. Her hopes were that every time friends and family lit the candle, they were reminded of how much she loved and appreciated them. So, the quest to create this candle began and she identified some key details that the candle had to embody. The candle had to be sparkly and sweet to represent her affinity for shiny dresses and accessories and super sweet candles. I began to send her candle samples in the mail back and forth for a couple of months until I finally nailed the fragrance she was dreaming of. It was important to me that she loved every aspect of this creation. To create a sparkling candle I had to use glitter, which is something I had not done before. To stay true to my mission of clean candles, I found a biodegradable glitter to use in this candle. I was pushed out of my comfort limits during this process, but in retrospect it forced me to become better at my craft.

Finally, after months of samples and testing, texting, and phone calls. It was finished; “Marie in a Jar” was born. Marie has given me permission to share her story of how candles can mean so much. She was pleased with the result and so were her friends and family. I released the candle for purchase for a limited time on her birthday. earlier this year. I am honored that anyone would trust me to create an intimate gift such as this. It is my prayer that everyone who burns a candle from Simone and Co. is blessed in some way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always enjoyed high quality candles but I found myself spending so much money, only to be disappointed by “Big Box” brands. I was a special education teacher at the time and burning candles was my getaway when I came home. As I began to research the candle industry, I became displeased with the known ingredients of candles I was burning in my home. I was even more frustrated by current regulations that do not mandate transparency amongst candle companies. This was the beginning of my quest to create a quality candle without added toxins.

What began as a hobby, blossomed into Simone & Co.. I aim to create luxury candles you can afford to buy again and again. Each batch is handcrafted using quality phthalate-free fragrances and eco-friendly coconut wax. #WHATSINYOURCANDLE

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I participated in local farmer’s markets this past winter and spring and it has been a great source of new clients. I’ve met so many new people and developed great relationships within the community.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being reliable and consistent with my product has helped to build my reputation within this market. People expect a certain quality and I aim to do that and stay true to my mission of producing candles that lessen the impact on the environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.simonecandles.com
• Instagram: simone_companycandles
• Facebook: Simone & Company