One of the best ways to be inspired to make yourself and your business the best they can be is to learn from the success of others. That’s why we love to spotlight our members here at the blog. Today, you’ll meet Anne Marie Esposito, founder of Sparklefly Candle Company in Selden, New York.
Anne Marie has been a member of the Indie Business Network since July 2012. I asked her to share a bit about her life and the Sparklefly Candle Company, and here's a little of what she said:
Q1 TELL US ABOUT SPARKLEFLY CANDLE COMPANY
I had always had a love affair with candles and scents. I actually feel that I live my life through scent, associating events, daily tasks and moods to the perfect aroma. So, after years of searching for that perfect candle to ride off into the sunset with and encountering some really great friendships and some really bad heartbreaks, I began studying the art of candle-making. 12 years later in 2011, after much support and encouragement to finally turn a dream into a reality, I formed Sparklefly Candle Company. The one little person that encouraged me the most was my daughter, then 7. The name Sparklefly comes from all of the creativity, love and determination my daughter was “sparking” in me as she seemed to flutter around me. I have transformed that love, creativity and beauty into every product I make with the determination to “spark” those same feelings in all of my customers.
Every Sparklefly product is thoughtfully designed by hand to spark a sense of emotion, creativity and enjoyment through easily coordinated, recyclable items. Our products include wildly pleasing scented candles in sleek glass tumblers, all adorned with our signature “Sparkle Chains”, coordinating reed diffusers packaged in elegant recycled glass bottles and our biggest crowdpleaser, the Sparklefly Scented Sparkle Stones, our versatile alternative to candles.
Since the beginning, it has been very important for me to be able to interact with and share experiences with my Sparkleflies (customers). My favorite way to do this is through Home Parties, it gives me a way to tell my story in a hands on environment, where everyone is encouraged to create and play with the products and understand how it all works together. It's always a fun time and I have met so many amazing people. I've also had the pleasure to play a very special part in so many events, allowing people to get in on the creativity by designing their favors, centerpieces and gifts with me. It's so much more meaningful when the end result was truly inspired by my customer. I also interact daily using social media and share ideas on recycling, decorating and using the line on my site.
Q2 WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLING PRODUCTS?
Our Sparkle Stones are always the biggest seller. They are unique, beautiful and provide a flameless alternative to candles as well as a visually appealing way to create unique centerpieces. Customers are always coming up with new ways to use them and I love hearing them and sharing them. Our top selling scent collections are Lavender Heaven, Lemon Poppyseed and Sweet Orange Chili Pepper (my personal favorite, pictured) throughout the year, Coco Mango in the Summer and Christmas Tree during the holidays.
Q3 WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
I spend all of my time with my family, I have 2 small children that are my world and a wonderfully supportive husband. We spend our time on social activities like soccer, games and arts and crafts. I probably visit my local craft store more than 3 times per month. Any other time is spent enjoying the company of close friends. Being an independent business owner can sometimes be lonely, I like to fill my personal time with the people I love and enjoy.
Q4 WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE INDIE BUSINESS NETWORK?
Wow, so many things to love and rave about IBN. Not only do I get to learn from some AMAZING women on a daily basis, I get to be a part of the discussion and share my strengths as well. As I said, it can sometimes be a lonely place when you are first starting out, being part of IBN, I never feel alone. The Facebook group in particular has been priceless, it has served as mentor, counselor, critic and sometimes comic relief. I'm not sure I could live without it at this point.
You can learn more about Indie Business Network membership and the benefits we offer (including affordable product liability insurance, coaching, and mentoring) at this link.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPARKLEFLY CANDLE COMPANY
