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Voyage Magazine Interview

by lisa quow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Quow.

Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We are a veteran owned family business who started our business in the year 2020. Many would say this was by accident, but we know this to be divine nature. My family and I have always found creative ways to interact and stay entertained/busy amongst ourselves but the year 2020 put us to the challenge. Just like many other families we did all things that came to mind to keep us grounded and sane, such as painting, karaoke, and dinner in the backyard. However, candle making landed in our laps and it helped us all to find a certain type of peace that allowed us to be cocooned in a bubble if you will. Many of my nights consisted of long 12-16 hour shifts as a Nurse assistant with covid patients, chaos, and it became a necessity to find something that could bring a centered balance of serenity amongst the craziness. My mental health became extremely triggered being in such an environment on a daily basis. I was sleep-deprived stressed and worried about the patients I came in contact with. It became very difficult to separate my own life and that of these covid patients. I know I needed something to assist with my now extra crazy lifestyle and candle making was it for me! Candle making made me feel like nothing mattered outside of my sunroom and to have such wonderful moments with my family made it even more enjoyable. My family and I experimented with different oils & wax until we fell in love with coconut apricot wax. We enjoyed making & creating so much that we wanted to share it with everyone. Our first candle was given as a gift to a good friend and she loved it. Many suggested that we start selling our products which quickly took off after doing pop ups/ consignment shops and now our very own booth in orange park mall here in Jacksonville, FL. Every member in our family plays an important role in this business and we want to continue to share our love of candle making and self care products with everyone we meet.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With all new things, obstacles are inevitably bound to happen. When we first started selling our products funding of course was an issue, and the fact of our kids being homeschooled due to COVID was a bigger problem. We were able to set aside the necessary funds along with family/friends’ donations to help take our business to the next phase. We eventually worked out a schedule along with family time to incorporate our business as well as spending time with our kids.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My husband is a retired 20-year disabled veteran of the Navy and I am currently a Nurse assistant in one of the local hospitals in Jacksonville. I have been in this field for over a decade, helping others overcome illness and even being a listening ear. I enjoy assisting others in areas they lack and ultimately seeing families reunite.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
We for sure have learned the importance of self care. This is why we are pushing as hard as we can with this business. Self care can consist of reading a book, smelling a nostalgic scent, making or creating a fun project or perhaps just sitting in silence during the day/night. As an advocate for self care we strive to make everyone we meet educated on the vital need of taking time out to tend to oneself/each other.

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