8 minute read
SMALL DOG, BIG SUCCESS
An attempt to make a better candle became Small Dog Candle Co., a rapidly growing mother-daughter enterprise
Story by Stephanie Jaquins, Photos provided by Small Dog Candle Co.
Atragic family loss and the pandemic led Jamie Wheeler and her daughter, Avery, into a fast-growing candle business.
On March 11, 2020, Jamie’s father, Jimmy Eick, died after suffering a stroke in January in Florida. At the time, Avery was finishing her master’s program at the University of Kentucky.
Both Jamie and Avery came home to Marseilles to attend Eick’s services. “When my dad passed ... it was actually the week before everything shut down, so we as a family were not paying much attention to what was going COVID-related because our world was falling apart,” Jamie says.
Upon coming home, they learned they couldn’t hold
a funeral and that Avery’s school was closing, all due to the coronavirus. “Avery and I were stuck in the house, first of all in the winter basically, and second of all, dealing with the sadness of our first family loss, and thirdly, a global pandemic,” Jamie says.
Avery also learned the company funding her research to complete her thesis had pulled outside research, so she wasn’t going to graduate in December. “So, we get that news on top of everything else,” Jamie says. “The potential of us killing one another in the living room arguing over what we were going to binge-watch next was greater than anything.”
However, it was a candle’s lack of smell — due to poor quality, not a virus symptom — that led to Jamie’s “come apart” moment, she says.
“It was like all the weight of the world was coming out in my tantrum over this candle I spent $10 on and couldn’t smell,” Jamie recalls.
The two women agreed: There had to be a way to make a candle that smelled great both lit and unlit. As a material and textile science major, Avery saw this as a challenge. Plus, they both had time on their hands. “Before we knew it, we were in the basement with little beakers and measuring tools and finding out the difference between natural soy wax and what have you,” Jamie says.
After some research and trials, they made a few candles and gave them to family and friends.
“People were texting saying, ‘Oh, my God, these candles were amazing. Where can we get more?’” says Avery, who develops the scents. YOU CAN FIND SMALL DOG CANDLE CO. AT THESE LOCATIONS:
Hill’s Hallmark: 19 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge
Iconic Boutique: 617 La Salle St., Ottawa
Main Street Spaces: 221 W. Main St., Ottawa
Piece by Piece: 1138 Peoria St., Washington
Serena Cafe: 2274 E. U.S. 52, Serena
Three Wishes: 317 E. Main St., Streator
True North: 539 Bedford Road, Morris
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/smalldogcandleco
At that point, they thought they’d make about 12 soy candles a month for friends. But then friends gave them to friends, and demand grew. Now, they needed a name and label — and that’s where the family dog, an 8-year-old long-haired mini dachshund named Smallz, comes in.
“When he was a little badass living out in the country, he was kicked by a horse and had his jaw wired shut,” says Jamie, adding he also fought opossums and raccoons.
This led to several overnight stays at the vet and a family joke that the family works to keep this small dog going. “Of course, he was in the basement with us the whole time, so we called it Small Dog Candle Co.,” Jamie says.
They sold their first candle under the new name July 15. When it grew difficult to keep up with deliveries, the pair began stocking their candles in a booth at Spaces in downtown Ottawa. Today Small Dog Candle Co. is in seven locations and offers seven signature and seasonal scents, available in candles and wax melts.
Last summer, they were making a couple hundred candles a month. Now it’s turned into a full-time job, making 150-200 a week with the basement serving as the shipping and production departments as well as office space. Jamie recalls this past Christmas when she, Avery and many family members had just wrapped up shipments for the holiday.
“When we got done delivering, we kind of got a little emotional and giggled at the same time and said, ‘Can you imagine how many people are going to open a Small Dog Candle box with their family and will be like “Oh, my God, I’m so excited I got this candle!” And it’s just something we made in our basement.’”
Although the initial popularity of the candles took them by surprise, Jamie and Avery say they’re committed to growing the business in the future.
“We’ve had great support from the community,” Jamie says. “It’s become so rewarding.”
CS R
Since 1950
Spring Valley Tastee Freez
309 E Dakota St, Spring Valley
EachOfficeIndependently Owned &Operated
1STChoice
SM-CL1874771
122 W. Madison Street, Suite 3, Ottawa • 815-434-3337 Email: www.1stchoice.illinoisproperty.com
CHILDREN’S APPAREL|SIZES PREEMIE TO SIXTEEN
CONTEMPORARYCHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
218 LIBERTY ST. • MORRIS, IL 60450
SM-CL1874416
815/942-3999
Morris, IL is bursting with colors.
Come see us!! The creativity is endless. Morris’ 2021 yarn bombing is fabulous.
Jane andStu Kerr APPLEBUTTER ANDSHUGIE’S 309N.Liberty St. Morris (815)942-5093
Welcome to
Downtown Morris
Located just 60 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago, downtown Morris, Illinois offers the amenities of its more metropolitan suburban neighbors along with small-town hospitality and charm. Come to downtown Morris and enjoy a fun day shopping for unique gifts, enjoying our restaurants and tea room, and enjoying outdoor activities. Make memories and have fun with your friends or your family as you shop, dine and enjoy!
Upscale Boutique Specializing in Quality Clothing and Accessories
215 Liberty st Morris IL 815-942-1514
Trendywoman's Boutique clothes &Accessories. 304 Liberty St. Downtown Morris IL
Sometimes you just have to look closely — not always looking at the big picture, but sometimes the smaller ones. Well, not that a 2-foot spiderweb is small. On this summer day, as the morning dew hung around, this abandoned spiderweb stood out brightly until the mid-morning sun rose and dried the silky net. Photo by Tom Sistak
Starved Rock Country Postcard
Star v e d Rock Cou n try May 2021
Perfect destination for family retreats! Open year round.
Family reunions, single family vacations or romantic couples getaways
17 WELL SPACED CABINS IN VARYING SIZES SPREAD THROUGHOUT 65 ACRES OF WOODED PROPERTY, ALL JUST A 10 MINUTE DRIVE FROM STARVED ROCK & MATTHIESSEN STATE PARKS. 12 OF OUR CABINS OFFER HUGE DOUBLE SIZED WHIRLPOOL TUBS FOR THE PERFECT ROMANTIC GETAWAY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 30 YEARS. OUR CABINS ALL OFFER CENTRAL AIR & HEAT, FULL KITCHENS, PERSONAL OUTDOOR BONFIRE PITS, PICNIC TABLES & GRILLS. COME ENJOY THE QUIET NATURE GETAWAY KISHAUWAU OFFERS TODAY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SPEAKING WITH YOU SOON.
