We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Astleigh Hill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Astleigh below.

Alright, Astleigh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

My prayer is that I am building a legacy with God at the center of it. If it weren’t for God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And while that may sound cliche, let me explain. Growing a relationship with Jesus has taken years, and it’s a process that never stops. The stronger my relationship with Him grows, the more I am able to hear Him; to be obedient to His will in my life; and to step outside of my comfort zone when He asks me to. My small business and the storefront is a testimony to that. God has given me a passion for creating and designing. From candles to interiors, I find great joy in curating a product or a space that evokes a sense of purpose and belonging. I am a true believer in intentionality and slowing down to savor and be present. I want my work to reflect that. For every customer that enters my storefront, my desire is that they enjoy a true experience – from sampling all of our candles in the candle library to sitting down at the workshop table and pouring their own candles with friends and strangers alike. I hope they sense the welcoming ambiance and the sincere approach in which I have designed my brick and mortar. That through the shop experience alone, they sense something different – a little bit of Jesus’ love. Even more importantly, I want my three children to know through my actions and character just how much I love God and have trusted His guidance in my life. I hope they see perseverance, determination, courage, and authenticity in all that I do. That by inviting God into every aspect of my life, I have been able to glorify Him through embracing my passions, which has built a business and allowed me to step into who I was made to be. My legacy for them is the sheer delight of following Christ and the absolute gift that it is. May they be inspired by what I have been called to pursue, while knowing that it is through God’s timing and will that I have made a dream come true.

Astleigh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Astleigh Hill, the owner, chandler, and curator of The Chandlerie – Candle Atelier and Home Boutique. The start to my business essentially began in 2012 with the creation of my lifestyle blog, Home On Oak, which features home design, family life, and the importance of traditions. When I transitioned from working full time to being a stay-at-home mom with our firstborn in 2015, I knew I needed a way to expand my creative outlet. I wanted to make a product that I could offer my readers that embodied the essence of my blog. And thus, the candle was born!

Candle making kicked off in August 2016 in from my kitchen, where I tested out the ratio of wax to fragrance and the temperatures at which to pour and mix. Discovering what created the best hot and cold throws brought me to my very own method for making candles. Every candle in my collection is made with natural soy wax, 100% wooden wicks, and fragrances that are phthalate-free and paraben-free. All of those elements combined, you have a candle with an exceptionally clean burn.

For the past seven years, I have had an online marketplace, shipping across the United States and to Canada. The hope was to one day open a brick & mortar store that boasted not only my candles, but unique homewares. On May 2, 2023, that dream became a reality when I opened my storefront in historic downtown Christiansburg, Virginia. The process of renovating the building and curating a space that captured an ambiance and experience true to my brand was a labor of love.

I chronicled the year-long process on my Instagram (now saved in highlights), which followed my husband and I as we undertook the major renovations to make my designs come to life. I’m truly proud of all the hard work and dedication that went into transforming the store. Even more so, I have loved having people walk through the shop door to a finished space they followed along with and supported from afar since its meager beginnings.

Today, I am hand pouring my candles from the studio space within the shop – stocking shelves and still shipping near and far. The homewares, selected from other small businesses, both American and international, have been a delight to arrange and share with others. The gift curation I offer, has provided a way for customers to curate a basket as unique as the person they are gifting to. And most fun, are the candle pouring workshops I offer in-house. From small groups to large gatherings, the workshop table has been filled with camaraderie and joy.

I value the sense of community the shop has added to my life as I get to know the faces of those who make up my small town. Sharing my love for a cozy atmosphere, the magic of traditions, and the thrill that is making a house a home has been such a pleasure.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth plays such a vital role in bringing people into a small business. I am a true believer in authenticity and having others authentically share their personal experience with my candles and homewares is the best kind of marketing. When someone can speak directly to a product, sharing details and their own perspective, it generates a sense of trust from one consumer to the next. Building this type of community has been essential in continuing to grow my business. Moreover, forging relationships with your existing and new clients only adds to the confidence they have in your brand.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Staying tried and true to my brand and product has been essential in gaining credence within my client base. I create a quality candle that I can fully stand behind and believe in. Starting online, where one cannot smell a candle before purchasing, seemed daunting initially. But my reputation, showcased through my blog, social channels, and in real-time, preceded me and gave those clients faith in what I was making, scent not smelled. Once they purchased a candle and experienced it for themselves, I gained loyal clientele who came back every season. I think it starts with you – who you are, what you stand for, and what your represent. Bringing those aspects into your business sets a precedent for what can be expected.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thechandlerie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechandlerie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechandlerie/

Image Credits
Photos taken by Chelsea Hartman Photography