Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Bueker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Lisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Two Little Flames is named after my two daughters Brooklyn and Madison. I wanted something catchy and something with meaning. I am proud that the name represents two of the most important people in my life and a big reason I work so hard and put a little extra love into each candle. They are my two little flames.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Lisa Bueker and I own and run Two Little Flames LLC. The company was established in 2021 after I spent some time working with another small business owner who makes candles. She was a great mentor and I just loved being able to create something that would bring joy into people’s daily lives. After I had my second daughter I left my career to be a stay-at-home mom. I always wanted to stay busy and contribute financially to the household so I have picked up many different part-time jobs in order to have the flexibility to be around as they were growing up. Some of the jobs I have done or currently do are teaching piano, bartending, and working as a fitness instructor. I have always loved being creative so when I started making candles I just fell in love with the process and product I was able to produce. My candles are made with soy wax(which is important for more natural burning) and I use many unique vessels but my most popular currently are my wooden dough bowls and other wooden shape containers. One thing that sets me apart in the industry is that I offer refills. My customers love the idea that when they buy a candle from me that they can reuse the container and change scents through the seasons creating a more custom candle for themselves. For me, this is a more personal approach so that I can get to know them resulting in more repeat customers. Knowing that my product can bring some happiness into others’ lives and showing my children that if you work hard, work passionately and work smart that you can be successful.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
One of my favorite stories and most meaningful sales was a custom order. Just recently, a friend/acquaintance named Kathy asked me to make three special candles. These candles would include flowers that she received after attending the funeral of her close friend’s son who had past away. He was only 15 when he died. She received some of the flowers and wanted a keepsake or a way to preserve the flowers. for the family. I have never worked with flowers or incorporated them into a candle. But I am always up for a challenge. She let me be creative and her only request was to have the flowers in the candle. After putting time into research and stressing about how they would turn out I made the candles. The candles turned out nice but were not perfect. So hard to have that pressure on you to create something with such meaning. We set such high standards for ourselves and the products we produce that we sometimes need to give ourselves a little grace. I am a person, not a machine so my products might reflect that they are handmade which makes them special. Kathy said she asked me because she knew I would put love and care into the work which meant so much to me. So this was a proud moment and a very memorable sale for me.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
My strategy for growing my clientele is to get repeat customers and referrals. If I am able to have a great product then my customers will remember and tell others when looking for gifts or something to buy for themselves. My family and friends have been a great source and having an open mind to listen to their ideas and knowledge. Keeping an open mind to find out how I can have my candles fit into businesses for marketing and gifts. I also will donate any chance I get or am asked to make sure that I am doing my part in the community as well as getting my brand and product to be seen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twolittleflames.com
- Instagram: @twolittleflames
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twolittleflames