aye.creator
Between the Christmas lights, the presents under the tree and the stockings over the fireplace, the holidays are filled with all kinds of sensational sights to behold this time of year. Equally as important are the many festive aromas, whether they be candy canes, hot chocolate or chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Chrissy Holland understands the importance scent plays in our everyday lives — that’s why she opened Lilyfield Candles. Now spreading scented joy in her first December shopping season, the Trophy Club mom’s passion for candlemaking shines as bright as any tree topper.
BEFORE I STARTED MY BUSINESS, I WAS AN… associate professor and a board-certified physician’s assistant for over two decades. I was experiencing severe burnout, and I took some time off to reflect on the importance of life. That was when my husband brought up my passion for candles and asked why not apply my skills and knowledge toward making my own brand. That was how Lilyfield Candles was born.
CANDLEMAKING IS A… science and an art. The process starts by securing the wick in the center of the vessel. Next, you melt the soy wax to a very specific temperature and add the fragrances, stirring the hot wax mixture for two minutes. This step is crucial to the candle-making process because it ensures the fragrance molecules bind with the soy wax completely. Once it’s ready, you pour the mixture into a vessel and let it cure for two weeks to get the best cold and hot throw possible.
EVERY CANDLE COLLECTION IS MADE IN… small batches to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail. I am very proud that all of my candles are free from paraffin, phalates and other potentially hazardous substances. I specifically want my candles to be all-natural, which means using organic soybeans, clean wood wicks and nontoxic scents. I look very closely at all the chemicals in my products, because I don’t want my customers burning anything that might be considered toxic.
ONE UNIQUE THING ABOUT LILYFIELD CANDLES IS… every candle comes with its own motivational message. How it works is you scan the QR code that comes with the order, and an inspirational video will play that explains the meaning behind the name and how to apply it to your life. I find that many people get burned out easily, that’s why I want to give them a moment to pause and inspire them to pursue a life lived well.
PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE THAT THE POWER OF SMELL IS… the strongest link to recalling memories. Unlike other senses, your sense of smell has a direct connection to the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotion and memory. If you think of an apple pie, that scent conjures up nostalgic memories of when you were a kid watching Grandma bake in the kitchen. A simple whiff can unlock a flood of memories that brings past experiences vividly back to life.
I WANTED TO CONJURE UP… good times and feelings of being thankful with my Christmas line of products. “Miracles” evokes the pine and fir you’d smell off of a Christmas tree, while “Enchanting” smells like a peppermint mocha you’d order from Starbucks. And the woody, cinnamon clove scent of “Believe” evokes the feelings of Christmas Eve, sitting around the fireplace and spending time with your family.
ONE PEARL I’VE LEARNED THROUGH CANDLEMAKING IS… to be open and flexible to change. There’s a lot of moving pieces to this, whether it involves manufacturing, packaging, taking photos, posting on social media or running your online marketplace. You can’t be stuck in your own way of doing things, because that’s the quickest way to fail.
I JUST WANT TO BE AN… inspiration for people. Many people have invisible struggles with anxiety and depression, that’s why it’s important to spread joy in whatever small ways we can — especially during the most wonderful time of the year.