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Interview with Patti of Biomax1.com
Where is your company based?
USA
How long have you been involved
with Gel Candles? 7 years
What prompted your interest
in Gel Candles? All of my life I have loved candles... and
all my life, prior to Gel, I have made a mess with paraffin.
(I like to think my creative soul is not meant to strive for
'neatness'... isn't that assigned to those who alphabetize
their canned goods?)
Then, during investigation
of products for our Day Spa, I stumbled upon 'candle gel--
burning 4-5 times longer than paraffin' and I could actually
spill it and then pick it up and toss it back into the melt
pot without destroying 100 sq feet of surface working area.
And the Gel was transparent
so that left all kinds of ideas floating in my head…
and it did burn slowly without leaving 1/2-3/4 of my spend-able
income to be tossed into the trash (unburned paraffin hunks)
:o)
Thus began my 'Gel Candle Passion'
and yes, my friends, you must have passion to be successful
in anything you tackle. For without passion, you cannot be
'driven'. And without a driving force... you will spit and
spatter and find that you are running in circles. Ask me how
I know :o)
I had finally found something
that I couldn't 100% conquer in one day or one HOUR. Sound
familiar? My mind became a candle factory within itself ...
colors, techniques, themes, scents...etc It was racing 150
mph.... and my entire attire was not a stiff coating of paraffin
wax!!! (See earlier statements regarding messiness). Although
admittedly, I did seem to be finding tiny bits of foreign
'jelly-type' substances in the strangest of places, head to
toe and from wall to wall.
They have since acquired their
own definitions from our masses of supply customers... which
are self-explanatory and bring wholesome laughter for all,
especially when a stranger sees a blob in your hair and wonders
-- What the heck is 'that'?
Next to passion, laughter is
the next best medicine... and later we will talk more about
the necessity of 'erect wicks'. (See our videos if you don't
understand --tee hee, snicker. -- Yes I have received volumes
of humorous banter regarding this subject and the presentation/explanation
of same. Perhaps this accounts for the number of new male
candle artisans which have joined us over the years.
How did you get started with
Gel Candles?
I always believe in giving credit when credit is due. Back
in 1997 there were only a couple distributors of the gel product
and Karen from DownEast Scents was one. She and I started
talking and sharing... later we became good friends.
Karen later decided to go back
to school and to spend more time with her family... we have
since lost connection, but if she should see this, I would
surely welcome her writing me. Mentors are a wonderful thing...
and oftentimes do not realize the impact they can have upon
a person. Karen is a wonderful person and I thank her deeply
for her reflection into my life.
I had actually started using
the Internet for research back in 1990, from a legal standpoint,
due to my career at that time. I was simply amazed to see
the wealth of knowledge available... it was simply unending...
and to an inquisitive mind... this can almost be deadly.
I was already deep into research
and development of product recipes, developing my own line
of Bath and Body products for our Day Spa and various body
treatments. This last decade has been a researcher's dream
in the quest for knowledge... not that you can always believe
what you find on the Internet... much the same scenario as
reading the newspaper... one (wo)man's opinion does not always
directly represent true fact.
But deep inside me, I enjoy
research and proving or dis-proving facts. So I was totally
within my nature ... and 100% enjoying the wonderful elements
of gel candle creation.
A very natural next step then
came to me... I wanted to share it with the world. How could
I keep quiet?? I am a people person! I have often been told
that I could teach anybody anything. I have a great respect
for people. I am very blessed with wonderful people around
me… you know who you are. Many --I have never met face
to face--but sure warm my heart on a daily basis.
Thus I began my crusade of
design and instruction, and international connections. I received
so much positive feedback from customers that there was no
way I could stop. So I didn't ... and it is easy to blame
all the customers who kept pushing me on…. and to you
--I owe much and offer deepest thanks.
How did you get started with
your business? See the last statement above -- customers create
your business....and in exchange you return to them... your
dedication... at least that worked for me.
A very dear soap friend of
mine suggested I needed to start a Gel Candle conversation
board. Yes... believe it or not... one did not exist at that
time. It sounded a little scary to me.. but I said what the
heck... maybe we will get 10 members. Well... 10 came….then
50 and I was beside myself...then we got in the 90s and I
thought 'by golly--this is a miracle!" I won't forget
the day we hit 100 members and it was shortly 120… and
even the first 1,000!
But most importantly we were
having a ball... all helping and nurturing each other... my
favorite statement "No such thing as a stupid question…we
are all here gathering facts in a different order". And
to this day we continue to learn from each other. No (wo)man
is an Island. Teamwork and cooperation spells success for
all. And in the meantime, you make sure you have a little
fun... for that's what makes life worthwhile and cyber-friendships
come alive.
What do you like about Gel
Candles? The absolutely endless creative techniques available.
From embed designs, to container styles, to colors, to themes....
to specific holidays... it is simply endless and a creative
mind needs this type of stimulation. Once we conquer, we move
on. Think about it. That is why I consider 'duplication' to
be the highest form of compliment. It allows you to see your
ripples in the world.... inside yourself you know when and
where you created a certain work or phrase. When you later
see it used over and over --the truly creative mind smiles...knowingly....remembering
the spark which created the thought and offers thanks for
the gifts and blessings that allow the mind to think and create.
Whether an idea is prompted from another person, a bird, a
flower... it proves the importance and reality human existence
and sharing.
And BTW2 Lynn's dedication
to our cause goes greatly underestimated...for she too, has
been a pioneer in the cause. She has taken individuals from
"crayons to perfume" with the FIRST Gel Candle book
ever written.. And I would be remiss not to ask for a hearty
applause and a heartfelt "Thank you, Lynn, and best wishes
on your newest quests. I have no doubt that you will have
abundant continued success, and I consider myself extremely
fortunate for our years of friendship, and to have been blessed
to have you as a friend over these years". Once again
proving the power of the cyber world.
What do you see ahead in Gel
Candles? Ah, how we love technology!! We are in the 'information
age' and we all know there are no secrets on the Internet!
Actually, I expect a whole
variety of new formulations, improvements, etc. to develop
in coming years. Research is our friend... and time divides
the good from the bad.. the successes from the failures. And
it takes all this to keep me entertained - so stay tuned!
What have you experienced with
Gel or your business that has been humorous or unexpected?
Humor-- in MY life? I must pause now… and take a drink
of (water). I would say each day is exciting.
I have had many humorous stories
from customers... like someone thinking when instructed to
put the bead on the wick -- that laying it near the wick tab
should be close enough.
I take the blame -- the correct
direction would be thread that sucker on the wick -- so I
stand corrected. But they did know to keep it straight and
erect... no bent and wimpy wicks from this group! Unfortunately,
I think I'm cut off at 4,797 words so I better move on.
Any other observations or comments
about the candles or your business? I would only say that
I owe any success that I can claim to our customers -- for
without them, we would be nothing. I consider it an honor
to help you, to share with you -- for together, not alone,
we contribute into the lives we touch. We touch hearts with
our works and how could we ask for anything more? For nothing
else compares...when looking at the 'big picture'.
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