Candle Love Turned Candle Business
Some people spend half a lifetime wondering and worrying about what they will do for a living, and oftentimes when they find their niche they fall out of love with the very thing they were once passionate about. This is not the case for Gale Caldwell, owner of Tehachapi Candle Co.
The company got its beginning in May 2002. Caldwell explained, “It happened on kind of a fluke.”
Caldwell was researching craft projects to do with kids while working with the Police Activities League and came across a candle making kit. Although she decided not to conduct the project with the kids because of the extensive nature of the process, she found a new hobby she could not get enough of.
After spending a full day making candles, Gale’s husband posed a question.
“What are you going to do with all of these candles? Sell them?”Surrounded by a room full of candles she said, “Yes, that’s what I’m going to do.”
And that is exactly what she has been doing for the last five years.
In July of 2002, Caldwell joined the Tehachapi Valley Arts Association offering her candles at the local co-op Gallery ‘N’ Gifts. Caldwell still shares in the responsibility of operating the gallery, as do all the artists who showcase their crafts at the gallery. Caldwell also showcases her work at many of the fairs and local events like the Mountain Festival.
“The candles are almost an excuse to get to know so many neat people. I really like to do the local fairs and meet the local people. When January comes around the craft shows die out and I miss seeing my customers,” said Caldwell.
Originally from San Diego, Caldwell loves the small town quality here and prefers to remain a local business. Unlike many businesses that create Web sites to market their products internationally, Caldwell said she simply created her site for the convenience of her local customers.
Being a wife, mother, business owner and community contributor, it is essential that Caldwell have a strong support system to ensure the success of her business and the basic functioning of her life. Caldwell’s number one ally in business and life is her husband.
“He provides moral support and understands when I’m so busy making candles that I can’t make dinner,” said Caldwell.
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