Laughing Is My Favorite + Business Musings

Hi friends! It’s been a bit since I have posted and while my to do list is long, I felt like sending a little hello out to all of you who follow along.

As many of you know, I started a candle business last year. I am still navigating all the bits that go along with running a business. Orders, making, testing, inventory, marketing, branding, accounting — all the things. It’s been a journey and I am constantly coming up with new ideas of what I want to add to the business and also figuring out where my time and energy are best spent.

I’ve done a few shows and taught some classes. I’ve also had some consignment and wholesale orders. All of these things are cup fillers. I really do enjoy being in front of customers and selling or creating. Adding more classes is definitely something I am planning to do. I’m even tinkering with the idea of going mobile to teach classes. I have all of the things I need pretty well organized and easy to travel with.

Taking classes and learning new things with friends is all kinds of fun. I have taken the classes and taught the classes, both are awesome.If you are interested in taking my classes, I am currently teaching at Made in Amador. Check out there site to see a calendar of events.

I’ve even had a few places inquire about creating a special candle just for their store. So I’m stepping into that market as well. There really are opportunities everywhere and that’s a pretty cool thing.

The options really are limitless when you apply your heart, hands and mind! So if you haven’t already, please do follow me on social @ignitejoyco or you can shop my website at www.ignitejoyco.com If you make a purchase online, use discount code FINDJOY for 10% off your order. I’m grateful to my friends, family + customers for the support of my small business.

This weekend was full of fun stuff. I sold candles at a local event called Amapola in Amador City yesterday. Fun fun fun! The town was buzzing with poppies in all forms and the energy from all the vendors and happy folks perusing town just felt darn joyful.

One of my best friends from over thirty years came into town to visit and as always, we had a blast together. The amount of laughs and inside jokes (that we happily share with all to enjoy) just makes me feel so incredibly grateful. We are always silly when we get together and it’s just a refreshing friendship. It’s comfortable, supportive (sounds like a good bra, right?) and brings me so much joy. There is something special about someone who has known you through all of the seasons, and sticks around 😉

We also attended a Wine Depletion Party (think, time to drink up all the wine from all of the wine clubs that one belongs to). There was food, wine, live music, friends and so much laughter. A couple of my friends have the most infectious laughs or as one of them refers too, “cackles”.  We (well me but others agreed) decided that we should have a laugh off between the two and see who wins. I mean, it’s laughter – everyone who laughs is winning.

I love a good sense of humor. I am so easily amused, I love hearing people exude joy, I love laughing at things. I am known to snort when I laugh which makes me laugh even harder. I am also extra giggly after some wine or cocktails. Per my husband, I get VERY loud when I drink but hey, I’m having fun and there is no shame in that, right?

So find the people who make you laugh with their laughs. Surround yourself with joyful humans. Laugh a lot. With or without the wine. Find the humor in all the things if you can. Life if hard and full of ups and downs but finding people who can and some sunshine to your days is the best. Laughing is my favorite.