Life & Work with Jeannie Jeffers of Albany

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannie Jeffers.

Hi Jeannie, 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?
I’ve worked most of my life as an accountant for public broadcasting and Community Action in Nashville, TN and in fundraising for Public Broadcasting in Athens Ohio, my home town. While recovering from spinal surgery, I needed something to do from home so I ordered a candlemaking kit. Having something tangible that you have created is really satisfying so that’s how it started. I spent several years perfecting and researching the best wax and scents and began with container candles. I saw a video on candle carving and decided to try it. After a lot of practice, I added carved candles to my collection. I’ve continued to add products including hand molded cement containers and I’m working on functional art like lazy susans, trays, clocks, etc that are painted and topped with resin.

As homage to the Village of Albany, Ohio, I named my business The Village Candle Shop and live on Reynolds Avenue in Albany. My candles are available at White’s Mill in Athens, Kirk’s Farm Market in Grove City, and Farmstead Market in Wellston. I’ll be attending some local craft shows including Alexander Christmas Craft Show in Albany. My products are also available on the Faire Wholesale site for businesses and you can message me on facebook. I’ve also done many fundraisers with schools and clubs. If you are interested in a candle fundraiser, please contact me at jjscandleshop@gmail.com.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some challenges. What started as a hobby in my laundry room grew pretty quickly. Storage quickly became a problem. Especially with the fundraisers. I would have candles stacked everywhere and couldn’t even do laundry until the candles were delivered. Being able to front the funds for supplies has also been a challenge. You never know how much you will sell at craft shows, in stores that pay commission, or how many will be sold for fundraisers. I had a fundraiser that I purchased supplies for and was waiting on the order to come in. When I hadn’t heard back by the time agreed upon, I called and they had not gotten around to taking orders. The supplies didn’t go to waste but it was a stretch on the finances. The Covid pandemic was also a challenge as many of the shops that carried my candles closed business and another fundraiser was cancelled. But that was a challenging time for everyone! When I retired from Ohio University in 2019, I purchased a “glorified” she shed which became my workshop. With help from my brother and sister-in-law, we finished and equipped it to be used year round. My laundry room thanks me! As do my dogs that hang out with me while I’m working. I certainly can’t live on what I make with the candles but it is a self sustaining hobby that I totally enjoy and the products are made of high quality materials.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been employed most of my life in business and have volunteered as a child advocate and family court mediator. I used to sing and opened shows for many of the classic country artists and did some songwriting as well. This was my creative outlet. Now that I’m retired, I am able to spend more time in artistic ventures. I started with candles, dabbled in jewelry and really enjoy fluid art and resin. My son does custom auto body involving intricate airbrushing and he’s worked with cement countertops and resin. I asked him for some advice and his response was “so what do you really want to do?” I said “everything”

I definitely specialize in candles and invite you to try some out. I’m really proud of learning to carve candles by watching demonstration videos and I don’t think there is anyone near by that makes carved candles.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have no idea! I’m pretty much an open book.

Pricing:

• Jar Candles-$7.50-15.00
• Cement Container candles $11.00 – $20.00
• Functional Art – $15.00 – $40.00
• Jewelry – $10.00 – $16.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jjscandleshop.wixsite.com/website
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2105Candleshop/
• LinkedIn: jjscandleshop@gmail.com