Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Simone Gaddy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Simone , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Sow and Glo, is a reflection of my personal journey during the pandemic and my desire for personal growth and happiness. When I started this venture, I was working in a corporate job that left me feeling stressed and unfulfilled. Like many others, the pandemic had me reevaluating my life and priorities.
I wanted more than just a job; I wanted the freedom to be happy and to work on my own craft. I yearned for self-growth and wanted to promote that possibility for others as well. The name “Sow and Glo” encapsulates this sentiment perfectly.
“Sow” signifies the act of planting a seed, which symbolizes the beginning of a journey, the first step towards growth. It’s about taking that initial leap, just as I did when I decided to start this candle company during a challenging time.
“Glo” represents the idea of flourishing and thriving. It’s about reaching new heights, becoming a better version of oneself, and finding happiness and contentment in life.
The candle names I’ve chosen for my products, such as “New Heights,” “New You,” “Relax,” “Adulting,” “Goal Digger,” and “Unbothered,” all align with my brand’s mission of encouraging self-growth and personal well-being. Each candle is designed to evoke emotions and create an ambiance that supports personal development and happiness.
Simone , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Simone Gaddy and I’m the owner of Sow and Glo, a candle company that was born out of my passion for creativity and my desire for personal growth and happiness.
Sow and Glo specializes in handcrafted candles made with coconut soy wax, known for being clean-burning, biodegradable, and non-toxic. This choice of wax not only contributes to a healthier environment but also means that your candle will burn longer. I believe in sustainability and offering products that are gentle on both you and the planet. Moreover, my commitment to sustainability goes beyond the candle itself.
What truly sets my candles apart, besides their eco-friendly nature, are the wooden wicks I use. They create a modern appeal while emitting a soft crackling sound that adds an extra layer of relaxation to your experience including a hint of sparkle when the candle wax is melted. But what you may not know is that my upbringing plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of my candles.
Growing up with a firefighter dad and a mom who was a teacher, I gained a deep appreciation for safety and meticulous attention to detail. My background has given me a keen sense of candle hazards, and I’ve spent considerable time testing my candles to ensure they burn properly and safely.
However, my commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at eco-friendly ingredients and safe burning. My candle jars can be reused after burning as everyday household items. These versatile jars can find new life as planters, storage containers, or any other creative use you can imagine.
But Sow and Glo is more than just candles. I’m also an artist, passionate about painting and the visual arts. My creativity extends beyond crafting candles to creating vibrant and colorful artwork. So, expect more exciting ventures in the artistic realm from my brand in the future.
On a personal note, I’m a single mom to a wonderful teenage son. My journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by a profound realization—the unexpected loss of my younger brother. His passing reminded me that life is short and precious. I made a conscious decision to prioritize my own happiness and well-being. In doing so, I took a leap of faith, leaving behind the corporate world to focus on my business full-time.
My story is a testament to the belief that life should be lived happily and stress-free. It’s a journey of spreading my wings and embracing my passions, both in crafting candles and creating art. Sow and Glo is not just a brand; it’s a reflection of my commitment to living a life filled with positivity, self-growth, and joy.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele at Sow and Glo has been a multifaceted approach that combines both traditional and digital marketing efforts.
Attending vendor events and festivals allows me to connect directly with potential customers. I offer samples and allow people to experience my candles’ scents firsthand. This experience often leaves a lasting impression and encourages them to explore my products further. Satisfied customers become brand advocates, sharing their positive experiences with friends and family. Their recommendations have been instrumental in bringing new clients to my business.
I’ve made a deliberate effort to get my candle samples into the hands of as many people as possible. Whether it’s at the vet’s office, the local print shop, or any other place I visit. I provide samples to create opportunities for potential customers to experience my products.
It can be challenging for customers to buy candles online without smelling the scents first.
I use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase my products, share my story, and engage with my audience. Social media enables me to reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers who may not have discovered Sow and Glo us otherwise.
My online shop serves as a convenient hub for customers to explore my entire product range, read reviews, and make purchases. It complements my in-person efforts by providing a seamless online shopping experience for those who prefer to buy from the comfort of their homes.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
My experience in corporate leadership and management roles, particularly in the healthcare field, has significantly influenced my entrepreneurial thinking and management philosophy.
My time in leadership roles within healthcare exposed me to the importance of empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving. Managing teams in a healthcare setting demands a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of healthcare delivery and the human side of patient care. This experience has taught me the value of compassionate leadership and the need to prioritize customer service and patient satisfaction.
Moreover, my corporate experience, especially in roles involving troubleshooting technical issues, has honed my problem-solving skills. It has taught me the value of attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex systems. These skills are essential for managing and growing a business, particularly in today’s digital age.
In addition to my practical experience, I’ve found watching YouTube and TikTok videos on various topics related to entrepreneurship, management, and marketing to be a valuable resource. These videos have provided insights, strategies, and tips from experts and entrepreneurs, further enhancing my knowledge.
While I haven’t drawn inspiration from specific books or essays in my entrepreneurial journey, my practical experience and exposure to informative YouTube content have provided me with a strong foundation. They have instilled in me a management philosophy that values people, problem-solving, and effective communication as essential pillars of success. These principles guide my approach to entrepreneurship, ensuring that Sow and Glo not only offers exceptional products but also delivers exceptional customer experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sowandglo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowandglo
- Other: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/sowandglo
Image Credits
Brian Pringle