Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tabatha Flanick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Tabatha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Being a creative and create candles people don’t understand that there are no machines spitting out wax and pouring our candles. These are individually hand poured and packed. No Target, No Bath and Body Works It’s created by a small shop owner, me and from start to finish done by hand per order:)
And that I am not the candle shop that was in my town years ago.. we are a totally different and new company. We did not purchase their company, I only purchased some of their assets like melters, vessels etc. We have built what I envisioned for my shop:)

Tabatha, 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?

I was brought up by many family creators. My uncle and father built wood pieces and cabinets for kitchens while my aunt and mom would stain them. They had two store fronts and my grandmother sewed. She made many products for the store and would sale at local craft shows. I love creating things for people to enjoy. When you enter my store front you instantly should feel comfortable and cozy and you will be greeted not harassed. We have a makers room where we hold classes and a pour bar where you can grab a few friends or family and create your own candle from start to finish.
I enjoy the small town feel and the support of my community.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When my customers are in my shop and I can see they are relaxed and enjoying the vibe. And when customers love what I create and are always there for more and continually supporting

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During Covid I had to make a big pivot! I was only opened for 7and half months and had no website yet. So I hurried and whipped up a site and quickly started to think how I could keep afloat. I had customers working from home and wanted to purchase candles to burn. So instead of me charging shipping I had customers call me, tell me what they wanted and then every Tuesday and Thursday I would load up my vehicle with bags and bags of candles and do porch drop offs. Still masked and no contact. I was left the sweetest messages, gifts and banners on porches.
I knew I made their day!

Contact Info:

• Website: oakmontcandleworks.com
• Instagram: @oakmontcandleworks
• Facebook: Oakmont Candle Works

Image Credits
Photo of Tabatha with candles: Heather Tabacchi