Indie Wednesday: David Peters of Chandler Candle Co.

I have a particular affinity for really good scented candles. So naturally when I came across David and his Chandler Candle Co. display at Randolph Street Market last month, I had to stop and sample his wares. As a candle connoisseur I was impressed by David's choice of scents and ended up picking up three candles for myself that day. One of those candles, the hearthside scent, has been filling Captain Dapper HQ with the loveliest of scents ever since.

David's career as a candle maker, or chandler, is relatively new. Like many hobbies-turned-careers, it started with a desire to recreate beloved but no longer available candle. By the time David was able to recreate the exact scent he wanted, he was hooked on candle making. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Name: David Peters/Chandler Candle Co.

When did you launch your business? May, 2013

What was the inspiration for starting Chandler Candle Co.? Making candles had been a hobby of mine and thanks to my husband Luke and our close friend Todd, I had been toying with the idea of starting Chandler Candle Co. for awhile. They're both entrepreneurs and had encouraged me to start a business of my own for years. We daydreamed and talked about it; there was a lot of "One day when you have a business..." and "Someday, when I have a store..."

What did you do before you started your business? I worked in retail for 10 years and then I helped my husband with his business.

How did you become a chandler in the first place? I had purchased a really great candle - Fresh Cut Grass - from this great little shop in Columbus, Ohio.  It smelled so clean and so fresh, I didn't want to burn through it! Of course I eventually did, and when I tried to buy another I discovered the shop had closed. I couldn't find another grass-scented candle that came close to smelling as good, so I decided to try making my own. How hard could it be, right?

Pretty hard, as it turns out. Sure, making a candle that functions as a candle is easy enough. Container, wax, wick. Done. But making one that actually smelled good was hard. Making one that smelled exactly like that Fresh Cut Grass candle I loved so much was harder still. It took a lot of trial and error, but eventually I found the best oils and the right combinations and concentrations to get the scents I wanted. By that point I was hooked.

Who is your biggest inspiration as a small business owner?
Definitely my husband Luke and our good friend Todd.  They're both so passionate about their businesses and it's totally contagious.

What are the advantages of supporting indie businesses? Indie businesses have a genuine passion for what they do. They must if they put up with all of the highs and lows of being the little guy, right?  They care deeply about where there materials come from, how their products are made, and the integrity of their brands. All of that comes through in your experience as a customer. Don't get me wrong - I love shopping at the mall as much as the next guy - but it's just not the same.

What’s your advice to someone launching a new retail business? Remember that you have to actually launch it. Obviously, you'll want everything to be perfect, but don't allow yourself to get bogged-down with revisions, updates, and the resulting delays. You'll get a much better idea of what works and what doesn't once you're actually "open for business". You may discover that things you could've spent weeks tweaking are total non-issues. Set a realistic launch date and hold yourself to it. Trust your gut, make informed decisions, stick with them, and move on. Otherwise you'll always be starting your own business rather than running your own business.

If an angel investor dropped $50,000 on you, how would you invest it in your business? Why do you ask?  Do you know a guy?  =)

Here's my wish list:

- Larger quanitites of supplies to get better price breaks on stocking-up.
- New pictures for our website.
- Expanded online marketing campaigns.
- A marketing kit for prospective wholesale accounts.
- A booth at some wholesale tradeshows.
- Materials and packaging for making candles in a smaller size.  Probably travel tins.
- Equipment, materials, and packaging for soaps and lotions in our best-selling scents.

The rest I would save and put towards opening a Chandler Candle Co. storefront.

Thanks, David!

Visit Chandler Candle Co.

Images: David Peters

Indie Wednesday: Leigh Deleonardo of Union Handmade

When I was putting together the post about stores to shop in Northcenter, I stumbled upon the new kid on the block Union Handmade. Once I started talking to Union Handmade's driving force, Leigh Deleonardo, I knew she would be a perfect candidate for an Indie Wednesday post. When it comes to indie businesses, Leigh is a double threat. Not only does Leigh have her own line of clothing but she's putting together Union Handmade to offer other small designers an opportunity to put their wares in front of customers. In this Indie Wednesday profile, Leigh talks about the process that led her to open Union Handmade, offers advice to other small retailers and dreams big about how she'd spend $50k on her business.

Name: Leigh Deleonardo

When did you open Union Handmade? September 20th 2013

What was the inspiration for opening the store? Made To Fit, my first store, was the inspiration for Union Handmade. As a clothing designer it can be hard on the creative spirit to participate in the wholesale fashion industry. After several years of selling to large department stores like Saks, Nordstrom and Marshal Field's I decided, in 1994, to open my own store, Made To Fit, in Chicago. I closed it in 1998 to focus on my new family. Union Handmade works the same way Made To Fit worked: I gather talented makers who pay a share of rent and take turns working at the store in exchange for retail space and I take a very small commission: 10%.

What did you do before you started this business? After closing my first store I focused on raising our fabulous daughter, channeling June Cleaver and waiting until I was ready to open another store. I kept my creative energy alive by making burdensome heirlooms for my daughter.

How do you discover new designers to carry in your store? As the anchor collection I wanted to find work that would support my line of natural, timeless, trend-free women's wear. My line ranges from casual to professional cuts made of fine, imported, natural fabrics in an earthy palate. To support and elaborate on those qualities I drew upon the talented designers whose work I already appreciated, some of whom were with me at Made to Fit. The first person I called was my dear friend Susan Hahn, the force behind Auntie Oti: a collection of handmade Indian textiles. Even though she lives in New York I wanted us to find a way for her to be involved in the store, and we have. I also called Annie Andrews first thing. Without Annie I may not have opened the store at all. She is a manager and our other clothing designer. Her beautiful work has always been a good complement to mine. I called upon Kara Hetz next, who used to occasionally model for me at Made to Fit. Kara is also a manager and one of our two brilliant jewelers: I've admired her work for years. When Jamie LaPorta agreed to get involved as our creative director/consultant in addition to being  our knitwear designer under the Ruby Bohannon label I felt we had an unstoppable group. Within a few months I had 9 designers on board which was a great start.  In addition to the above we had: Laura Whitlock's beautiful millinery, Katie Mill's exquisite jewelry, Bethany Nelson's most excellent bags and textiles and Nancy Melvin's mercurial textile arts.(Nancy can and does make just about everything.) I knew that once we were open it would be much easier to attract other members.  We have inquiries almost every day. Jamie works with me to carefully select lines that fit well with what we're about: beautiful design, made by hand with quality and integrity.

Who is your biggest inspiration as a small business owner? My dad, John Deleonardo. He owned the local Chevy-Olds dealership in my hometown and had a spotless reputation. He taught me about having integrity and believing in what you are offering. He understood that if you push someone into buying something that isn't right for them, or don't back up what you've sold, folks won't come back and they won't spread a good word. He also taught me that you need to feel good about what you do. He would be extremely happy about Union Handmade. Jamie LaPorta and Susan Hahn have always been, and continue to be, amazing inspirations and teachers as well. They both have strong, unerring vision and their guidance has been pivotal in so many ways.

What are the advantages of supporting indie retailers? We all have to support the world we want to live in or it goes away. We can choose to live in a world full of strip malls and corporate chains or a world full of lovely little shops offering unique and unexpected treasures. Our shopping choices may seem trivial at first glance but in fact they have a huge impact on the world we live in. Our dollars have a mighty power behind them. They determine whether or not the products we buy involve cruelty, pollute the environment, take advantage of other people, etc. The items that we see on store shelves have hidden stories behind them.  When you buy from an indie retailer the chances are high that the story is a good one. Independent retailers often support small makers. Small makers support other small makers. I work with 4 tiny sewing contractors and 1 cutter who all count on me, to a degree, for their livelihood as I count on them to do beautiful work. They are essentially partners. I pay them well and treat them with the respect they deserve as artisans and as people. Small makers tend to have integrity about the materials they use and the way they treat the people who support them. My buttons, for instance, are all natural, hand-made and fairly traded.

What's your advice to someone launching a new retail venture? Anyone opening a new store should have a Robert Rud (our brilliant interior designer and guardian angel), a Greg Walker (our intrepid investor and fixtures hunter/refurbishing wiz) and a Jamie LaPorta (our creative director and guiding light). In other words: an incredible team of brilliant people who know what they're doing. When I opened Made to Fit I was pretty much a one woman show and I made many mistakes and dropped many balls that a good team would have been on top of. I wanted to be in control of everything. I learned through that experience to trust and rely upon others, even if it means letting go of some control.  The four of us have worked incredibly well together and each of us has brought our own strengths to the mix. Great landlords are a huge plus too. In fact I would say that making sure your landlord is supportive and honorable is more important than how nice the space is and, to a degree, the location. Dishonest or greedy landlords can have a serious impact on a business.

If an angel investor dropped $50,000 on you, how would you invest it in your business? I would love to develop a student lab at Union Handmade.  A place for new designers to receive hands-on training and launch their collections. I'd use some of it to repay the above mentioned team for all their hard, often unpaid, work. It would create such strong positive energy to give back to those who did so much to help make Union Handmade happen. Some would also be spent on fabric buying trips to Italy. Great fabric is so hard to find since my yardage quantities are so small. I think a beautiful web site with great photography would be money well spent, too.

Go see Union Handmade and all of their wonderful indie designs at:
3860 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60613

Images: 1. Union Handmade. All others: Jason Loper

Indie Wednesday: Krissy Callahan of Earth Cadets

When I first met Krissy, it was love at first sight. Love for her product, that is. I was walking around a new, small craft show and was immediately drawn to the colorful screenprinted totes and pillows Krissy was showing. I bought a couple of tote bags that afternoon and then rushed back to my home office to write a profile of Krissy and her designs for Apartment Therapy. I've been keeping track of Earth Cadets' slow evolution since then and am thrilled that Krissy has agreed to take part in this week's Indie Wednesday post.

Name:  Krissy Callahan/Earth Cadets

When did you launch Earth Cadets? I sold my first item on Etsy in December 2008.

What was the inspiration for launching the line? The idea behind Earth Cadets was initially to provide screen printed grocery totes to replace plastic bags. Since the first batch of bags, it's evolved into clothing for babies to adults and home decor, but all the while maintaining a commitment to the environment using organic and eco- friendly products.

What did you do before you started your business? I started Earth Cadets while working a corporate job on a marketing team downtown, I juggled the two for three years and a little less than two years ago, I quit my day job to pursue Earth Cadets full time!

How do you find inspiration for new designs? Travel and antique/vintage shopping would be number one inspirations. There's nothing better than traveling down back country roads and stumbling upon old unique shops or random estate sales. I love the lines, colors, shapes and lettering used in mid-century and older designs.

Who is your biggest inspiration as a small business owner? I would have to say small business owners on a whole are inspiring. I follow so many amazing creators on social media who share their struggles and triumphs.  Each day I learn something new from what they have to share and am inspired and driven by their success. As someone who went from working on a large team to working for and by herself, I consider my fellow business owners my co-workers. I check in on them daily and we often we brainstorm and even though we might be neighborhoods, cities and states apart, it's a great community.

What are the advantages of supporting indie designers? There are SO many reasons to support indie designers, so much of what you put into them goes back into the community. But for me the number one reason is knowing where (and from whom) a product came from and that it was made with love and intention. It's funny, but usually every street fair show I do I get bargainers who want me to drop my prices or want to buy a t-shirt for $5. I try not to take it personally, my items are priced fairly, and I like to explain that I am not a big box chain store. I am an independent designer who works 24/7 to hand make products she loves and believes in and there are those who find value in that.

What’s your advice to someone launching a new design business? Social media, make a presence and have a voice. I have had great success with Instagram and I work hard to grow my audience and share my work. I think letting people in on the behind the scenes not only is fun for those who follow you, but it helps them understand your process and place more value in your work.

If an angel investor dropped $50,000 on you, how would you invest it in your business? Oh boy. Dream come true. I know exactly what I would do with that money. 1) Conveyor dryer - textiles that are screen printed need to be heat set (reach a certain high temperature) in order to ensure color fastness. This is essential for clothing and home decor as you want to be able to wash your hand printed item as often as needed and for it to retain its original brightness. Currently I hand heat set every item with an iron and while it does the trick, it is so not efficient. I should be spending those hours working on new ideas, not ironing! 2) I would move my studio. I work out of my basement and it's a great space ... for one person. Not a space for growth (or for a conveyor dryer). I would love to be able to hire contractors to help on large projects but the space is too tight. I also used to teach screen printing and a larger studio space would be perfect to pass my passion along to others. So ... if you guys know someone with $50k to burn ...

Check out all of Krissy's creations on her website: Earth Cadets. You can also keep up with Krissy and her business on her blog.

Images: Krissy Callahan

Indie Wednesday: Ryan Noel of POP Greetings

One of my favorite things about these Indie Wednesday posts is learning about the development process behind the products I love. For Ryan Noel, the concept for his POP Greetings line of greeting card/wine sleeves happened quite organically. To dress up a last minute gift, Ryan created a wine sleeve and, after seeing how beautiful in looked among the flowery wine bags, realized he might be onto something. I chatted with Ryan about his designs, his tips for overcoming discouragement and how he'd invest $50k into his indie business.

Name: Ryan Noel/POP Greetings

When did you launch POP Greetings? I sold my first cards in November of last year (2012).

What was the inspiration for POP Greetings? At first, inspiration felt a lot more like desperation. When my wife reminded me that we had a 40th birthday party to attend that evening and we didn't have a gift, I went into scramble mode and ran to a local market for a last-minute gift – a large bottle of beer. After finding my greeting card stash depleted, I instinctively went to my computer and designed a simple paper wrap to put on the bottle. The graphic said, “Lordy, lordy, here’s a 40.” (I know. Pretty silly.) Once I put it on the bottle, I wrote a note on the blank back side.

When I got to the party, there were dozens of bottles of wine – some in paisley and floral gift bags (you know the ones) – all on a bed of greeting cards. I noticed how the bottle I gifted was in contrast with the wine-scape and thought, “You know, this could be a marketable idea.”

The following day, the birthday boy called me and told me thank you for the beer, and that he loved the wrap. He also pointed out that he actually knew who to thank because the card wasn't separate from the bottle. Then, I was more sure it was a marketable idea.

What did you do before you started this business? I have a graphic design background and currently spend my days as Associate Creative Director for an advertising and public relations agency in Indianapolis.

Who is your biggest inspiration as a designer? My first design love is Ray and Charles Eames. I find a particular connection to Charles' idea of pleasure being a valid design purpose. I think the pleasure of giving wine can be missing and can sometimes feel more like a social convention than a gift giving. POP Greetings, in some ways, is using design to interject some pleasure into wine-giving.

I have also been very inspired recently by a friend, Kristofer Bowman, of The Inventorialist. Kris rambles around hand-picked objects that have lived authentic lives. I get swept up in the stories of these objects, real or imagined. Kristofer helps me find beauty and wonder in the seemingly mundane. He also has an incredible eye for composition and feel for space.

How do you overcome discouragement? Oh boy. This is a tough one. I think this is something I'm still learning, so if you have any tips… :) When I go into a shop and make a sale, the high is incredible. Conversely, when a shop declines it is super discouraging and often demotivating. The only thing I know to do is to keep marketing the product and hoping for the next sale or appearance on Captain Dapper.

What are the advantages of supporting indie designers? Independent design just feels more personal, like a friend made it, right? It feels like the design or art object has a story. Like more visceral expression than a calculation based on research. I think there is demand for this kind of design, and the more designers who succeed, the more others will have the courage to make themselves vulnerable for the sake of an idea.

What’s your advice to new designers? One of my favorite quotes comes from Pascal, "I would have written you a longer letter, but I ran out of time." I think the same principal applies to design. Edit and simplify. And then do it some more.

If an angel investor dropped $50,000 on you, how would you invest it in your business? I would first buy this angel a lovely bottle of wine. Since I am not a natural-born salesperson, I would hire a part-time sales/marketing person. I would also build a display for a tradeshow booth and produce in-store displays to sell to merchants.

To learn more about Ryan's clever bottle sleeve greeting cards, check out the full line at POP Greetings.

Images: Ryan Noel

Indie Wednesday: Marco Chavarry of Alapash Home & Terrariums

Captain Dapper has an interesting connection to today's Indie Wednesday business, Alapash Home & Terrarium. Long before Marco Chavarry set up shop at 1944 West Montrose, the storefront was home to my own little handbag business, which I called Zola Jones. It's nice to see that the tradition of handcrafted goods and independent retailing has remained in the space. In addition to his own terrariums, Marco stocks Alapash with a unique collection of handcrafted and reclaimed home accessories.

Name: Marco Chavarry of Alapash Home & Terrariums

When did you open Alapash? I started as Alapash: Meaningful Terrariums with a small booth in the spring of 2011 at the Andersonville Galleria. At first I had the tiniest space, a 4' x 6' booth. Later that year I moved to a 4' x 10'. After a year at the Galleria, I opened Alapash: Home and Terrariums in Ravenswood.

What did you do before you opened started your business? Before Alapash, I worked full time in customer service for a financial institution and had a part time as event planner for a spa in the city. The last one was one of the many part time jobs I had over the last 7 years.

Who is your biggest inspiration as a designer/small business owner? I am not a trained designer, so I do not have an arts or design background, but I'm lucky that I work with elements that are inspiring. Botanicals and plants are already pieces of art, all I do is to configure them in harmonious ways.
Most people believe that my terrariums are inspired by the dessert because of the use of cacti, but I'm actually inspired by Japanese gardens and architecture. Go figure! I feed off what designers are doing these days and I religiously read several blogs a day. It doesn't matter if they are not related to what I do.

As a business, I am inspired actually by Crate and Barrel (they were a small business once upon a time!). I love how a couple's love for well-crafted products has turned into the franchise it is now. I know a lot of people have strong feelings about large retailers, but I am sure it took mountains of effort for them to be where they are now.

What are the advantages of supporting indie retailers? Supporting indie retailers and local businesses does more for the benefit of a community than to the actual retailers oddly enough. Having a unique business in any neighborhood obviously is a huge asset to the community. A unique business not only fills store fronts, it also brings followers into the area. For businesses that have employees, it offers the job opportunities to individuals and for those who do not have employees (like mine) offers employment to the people who makes our products: our crafters and artists. Opening Alapash has given me the opportunity to offer a small window to other crafters and designers to showcase their creations.

What’s your advice to new business owners? Stay organized, focused and stay positive. I have been notoriously known for my lack of budgeting skills in the past, but as a business owner you have to stay on top of your budget. It has become my obsession and actually I now look forward to sitting with my notebook and calculator and assigning budgets for our products. I find that writing keeps me on track of things. New projects, to do lists, inspiration and more. I try to sit at least once a week just to write one page. It is a moment when I can really somehow materialize what's been in my mind for a while. Staying positive is also important. Most people can't even imagine how many obstacles appear everyday when you own a business. It does take a lot of energy keep a smile in front of your customers and deal with the negative.

Go see Marco and his terrariums in person:
Alapash Home & Terrariums
1944 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60613

Images: Jason Loper

Indie Wednesday: Talking with Barb Skupien of Embellish Boutique Getting to Know Independent Designers and Small Retailers

At the risk of sounding like a politician, small businesses are the backbone of America. Big business may look like they're running the show, but small businesses are the secret superstars. To shine a spotlight on the independent designers and small business owners that inspire me, I'm launching Indie Wednesdays. Each week I'll chat with a new designer, retailer or other small business owner to get a little insight into what it means to live the American Dream.

For my inaugural Indie Wednesday post I'm chatting with Barb Skupien, owner of Embellish Boutique in Chicago's Northcenter neighborhood. Barb is independent retailer who strongly supports up-and-coming and local designers. I first met Barb back in 2008, when she was first opening her accessories boutique. Five years later, Embellish has become a fixture of the Northcenter neighborhood. It has become the place to shop for unique bags, jewelry and other personal accessories, most of which comes from independent designers.

Name: Barb Skupien, owner of Embellish Boutique

When did you open your store? August 2008

What was the inspiration for opening the store? A little boutique had been a long time pipe dream of mine. I wanted to work for myself while still be able to travel. embellish is the end result.

What did you do before you started your business? Immediately before opening Embellish, my husband and I had just traveled for a year. I worked for a real estate management company while I prepared to open the store.

How do you discover new designers to carry in your store? I find designers many ways. I travel to industry trade shows several times a year, a customer will walk in and be carrying a great bag I've never seen and a lot of designers come to me. I've stopped a woman in the grocery store to ask her about a piece of jewelry she's wearing. I'm always looking!

Who is your biggest inspiration as a small business owner? I think I'm most inspired by other small business owners. Especially people like my neighbor, Nuri. He's been a tailor for 40 plus years, he raised his family above his shop, I love the whole story.

What are the advantages of supporting indie retailers? It's a long list but one the greatest advantages to shopping indie retail is that your money stays where you've spent it. In my case, because so many of my customers live in Northcenter, it truly stays in our community. Another advantage is that your purchase is often really unique and special. I don't order 100 of anything. I often order just one. And it's usually handmade by a real person who is making a real wage.

What’s your advice to someone launching a new retail business? Be prepared to work harder than you've ever worked before. Always go with your gut, whether it's your intuition about a shady customer or buying a new product for your store that you think is cool. My gut is always right. Hire someone to the things that you're not good at, for me it's book keeping. Still the best money I spend each month.

If an angel investor dropped $50,000 on you, how would you invest it in your business? I would knock down the wall between embellish and the office next door and open a home accessories store!

Check out Barb's store:

Embellish Boutique

4161 North Lincoln Avenue

Chicago, IL 60618

Thanks for chatting with Captain Dapper, Barb!

Images: Embellish Boutique