We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julia Nickell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In 2020, when the world was going through the Covid pandemic, it became very important to me to lessen the toxins in my home. I had been an avid candle buyer for years. Out of shear boredom, I started researching the ingredients used by my favorite candle companies. What I found appalled me. Harsh toxins and chemicals were found in almost all of them. Not only were they generally unsafe to breathe in, but some also caused birth deformities, infertility and cancer. Being someone who suffered for years with infertility, having never made it through that journey, I could not stand to keep bringing those toxins into my home, or the homes of my friends and family. Thus, Island Sham Farmhouse was born. What started as a hobby that quickly grew into a successful business. It is my goal to not only bring safe products into people’s homes, but also educate them on the dangers of not knowing what they are burning or warming.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Candlemakers are a dime a dozen these days. Every craft fair, everyone’s aunt, etc. has dabbled in the art of candle making. What makes us stand out is that our customers are our family. We know about their lives, celebrating success and mourning hardships. We lovingly refer to everyone as our Sham Fam. Whether you wish to purchase one of our wax melts or drop-in and make a candle of your own, we are there every step of the way. We even host candle parties, an opportunity for you to relax, enjoy some appetizers and drink a nice glass of wine while you catch up with those who mean the most to you.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
We often get naysayers who doubt our success and question how we’ve made it this far. I always like to say, “I started a candle business right at the start of the pandemic when everyone was losing their sense of smell. You kinda need that to sell candles. And yet, here we are.” I’m a firm believer that if you want something, you’ll make it happen. Otherwise you will just make excuses. Have we struggled? Oh yes. But, we learned from it, pivoted and grew even more.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When we started, I was adamant that the only DIY candle making we would offer would be in party form, where I was the host and led everyone through the process. I was terrified to let go of the reins and let my staff walk people through candle making. Early this year, I had to change my mindset. Candle making isn’t my only full time job. On top of working, my business and running a household, I am also in the process of earning my MBA. I needed to let something go and trust the team I had built. In April of 2023, we began offering drop-in candle making. My staff has far succeeded my expectations. This new offering has increased our foot traffic and led to word being spread even more about us. Pivoting can be hard, but boy can it be rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.islandshamfarmhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandshamfarmhouseofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islandshamfarmhouse/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-nickell-64843620a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/islandshamfarm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1FyJZ2p2rGfxrLfRyR3Bw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/island-sham-farmhouse-port-clinton?osq=Island+Sham+Farmhouse
Image Credits
Photography by Jennifer McLaren