Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Nickell.
Hi Julia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In March of 2020, due to the pandemic, I was forced to full-time telework. Being trapped at home 24/7 was not only detrimental to my normal busy life but also my mental health. I began looking for crafts and various projects. I had always been a candle lover but had noticed I was having a bad reaction to the normal candles I purchased. After much research, I discovered just how toxic and unregulated the candle industry is. From that day forward, I made it my mission to provide a clean, great-smelling product. I started selling my candles on my personal Facebook page. From there, I sold at farmers’ markets and craft fairs. It wasn’t much later that we developed a website. In September of 2021, we had the opportunity to open a storefront, and we jumped right in and haven’t looked back ever since.
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?
Our road has not been without bumps. As I am a first-time business owner who has a full-time job outside of my store, I often struggle with the many hats I wear. I’ve since obtained a bachelor’s degree in small business management. Doing so has really broadened my knowledge. The economy hasn’t been great to us, much like other small businesses in our area. We are optimistic of what the future holds. I always like to say, “I started a candle company at the height of the pandemic, where people were losing their sense of smell. We are still here; that should say something.”
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Island Sham Farmhouse?
We are what we like to call a candle experience. Not only can you purchase our curated scents in different varieties, but you can also stop in and make a candle yourself. I personally hand pour every wax item in our store. We are a small company with only 3 employees (2 of which are myself and my husband). I feel like when people purchase from us; they aren’t just buying a candle but also a piece of our hearts. I am most proud of the reputation we have built for high quality. We are the only place in our area that offers custom candles to our shoppers. I am proud of our constant innovation, whether it be curating a new scent profile or coming up with a new product for the store.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love working with our downtown business partners and have developed several candle lines exclusively for them to offer. I believe the biggest way someone can support a small business, besides from shopping, is to talk up how great a store/product is. People read reviews, but actual testimony from people they know is even more valuable. Small businesses would not survive without the shoutouts and love from other small businesses. As Abbie Fox always says, “community over competition.”
Pricing:
- Subscription boxes $18-30
- Pop-in Candle making $10 + price of candle
Contact Info:
- Website: www.islandshamfarmhouse.com
- Instagram: @islandshamfarmhouseofficial
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/islandshamfarmhouse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-nickell-64843620a
- Twitter: @islandshamfarm
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@islandshamfarmhouse3272
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/island-sham-farmhouse-port-clinton
Image Credits
Jen McLaren
