When the journalists began to reach out this season, I noticed that the About Us section on my site doesn't quite do the trick. Although it's a descriptive representation of the life of the business, there's not much about personal purpose or intention. 

Here in my late 30s I'm moving within my purpose more so than ever before. The mission of this business supports my purpose; to Make Moments Matter. Focusing on the moment has been a life lesson. There are big moments worth a huge celebration and there are small, special moments that no one hears about. All of these moments are special! I strive for our products to be there for your special moments. ❤

Making moments matter is a something of a personal purpose as well. This business serves my family in a specific way that makes our moments matter. Raising two boys and keeping a home for us has had its challenges. When I keep a flexible schedule that this business allows for me to have, I can more easily be Present for my children. This flexibility also allows us to adventure! Participating in pop-up markets allows for us to travel the region, state, coast, and beyond. Being available for my children and showing them the country are create moments that matter for us ✨️ 

The Sincere Story

I was 17 when I starting experimenting with candles. To be honest about it, I was heading down the wrong path in high school. I was taking steps in the direction of parties, boys, and toxic social groups. The problem was that I felt no real connection with the extracurriculars offered at my school or in my community, so I got distracted. Candle making kept me busy! It kept me at home and gave me a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. This hobby-turned-business saved my life!

I’ve had a deep appreciation for candles since I was a kid. There is something special about the soothing and relaxing feeling I get when I burn them. Each time I burn a candle, I’m reminded of the internal flame of peace that is always accessible by reverence. I spent many school-aged years lighting the candles at church every Sunday. In my adult years, I use candles for various moments, practices, and celebrations.

My curiosity and some hand-me-down equipment led me to experiment with making them in 2001. I was very intrigued by the many different types of candles I learned to make. My mother’s kitchen became my little laboratory, and the ancient art of candle making became my hobby. 

The family would help me create a better candle with encouraging words and constructive criticism. My sister would tell me that they were good enough to sell and that I should give that a try. She shared them with some ladies at work and had a couple of people using my candles in no time. I followed her example and did the same thing at my job. It worked. This was the beginning of my candle business.

Over the years I ran it as a side job, learning through experience and making many mistakes. I created my first candle collection, The Dixie Lane Signature Collection, using all-natural, quality ingredients. These candle scents are country-inspired; a homage to my childhood experience of being a New York transplant attempting to embrace a new culture. This collection expresses a found love for The South! These candles are still available today on the website along with two additional scent collections I've created to offer something for everyone's taste.

In 2019, I started Sincerely Candles & Company, LLC and committed to running this business for good! Since then, we have grown to a regional candle company with two employees offering a wide variety of products and services. Quite frequently, I check in with my initial mission to ensure that the busy of business doesn't lead me astray from making High Quality Handmade Products to help people Make Moments Matter.

My goal has been to sell candles online, in-stores, and at pop-up markets! We are there!!! Pop-up markets have been my absolute favorite part about this business, even from the beginning! There were times that I had the gumption to take the business to another level; two times to be exact, when I ran a candle shop in Downtown Asheboro at two different locations. Although I enjoyed it, retail hours didn't match my single-mom livelihood at the time. There's still a part of me that wants a brick-in-mortar downtown USA, but when the time is right. For now, I'll see you in my office where all the products online (and more) are on display for purchase. 

​The gears are shifting over here! I have a question for you! The planning energy is shifting focus in preparation for summer. Once I'm done with Spring Markets, I'm staying in town more to connect with c❤mmunity! ✨

The candle business is slower in summer than any time of the year. Only the truly dedicated burn a flame when it's hot outside 😜🕯 I have a few projects, eh hem CAREERS, I'm working on behind the scents...did I say scents? I meant to say scenes. You'll find me working on-site at my shop and at my desk this summer!!! 🥰

​HOWEVER, I adore spending time, face-to-face with the public. This gives me joy in my life!  Sooo my question to you is this. I'd like to host one event per month this summer. What would you like to participate in? There are so many ideas I have, so I want to know what YOU like. 

💡 FREE Ladies Nights ~ literature circle, spa night, mompreneur mastermind 
💡 $20 Workshops ~ Sip & Scent, bath bomb workshop, perfume blending

Please comment or DM me with your thoughts. I'd love to connect and spend time with you guys for real 😍💯

​For the first time, we've put together a set just for Valentine's. We are so in love! 😍 The Sincerely Charm Sets are for galentines or self-care practice. We have two options to choose from; a meditation set or a bath set. Both of these help create a spa atmosphere right in the home! Made with a Prayer for Peace, as always! And this time a dash of Love Charm too ✨️ ❤

♡
Did you see our new website? We have all the products listed online! Yay! This has been a long-time goal and we are HERE! The zoning restrictions at our current property do not allow for us to keep retail store hours, but everything is online! With the code SINCEREFRIEND, you guys can get the same prices you're used to getting from visiting my shops through the years. You can schedule a pick up right on the site to save on shipping! I'll see your order, your pickup time, and have it wrapped and ready for you!

​♡
We are also doing special events here once a month! This homeschool mama needs fun adult time, so I'm hosting activities at a very affordable price to fill the space with warmth and laughter. After all, we need more things to do in this town! So let's go! Please share our special activities to help us spread the word. Let me know if you're interested in something you see, but the date doesn't work for you because I can plan for another one like it! Come join us for Valentine's fun this month! You can always refer to our Eventbrite page for a complete listing of Sincerely Local Happenings hosted on our property. 

"A story from Kim: The creation of the logo defines the value of this business."
So what's with the logo anyway? People ask all the time and I say "it's the violet flame of peace." This is an elevator description which is far from complete because I ALWAYS get a confused or curious gaze as a response.
Although the image has changed a couple times (swipe to see the former version), the value behind it is the same. So here's the long of it, shortened as much as possible since you're busy.
The Sincerely Candles & Company, LLC logo is an emblem of the violet flame. This fire does not burn, it’s no ordinary fire, it is a spiritual fire of self-transformation that some people refer to as the “the violet flame.”
The violet flame is a symbolic name that is given to the transformative abilities of spiritual energy. Spiritual energy can help us move through many obstacles on our path and heal a multitude of problems from physical and emotional issues, to relationship problems.
If you’ve ever seen a popular depiction of an alchemist, witch or magi, there’s often a concoction being mixed up in a fire, with the flame turning into a violet color when the potion is successful.
In fact, this type of fire goes back to biblical times. As described in Exodus 3:2 KJV in the story of Moses and the burning bush: “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.“

What does this mean for the products created that bare this emblem? It means they are created to be a blessing a peace. They are clear and free of intention, so you may set your own. For those that read this far, it is my prayer that when you light a Sincerely candle or use a Sincerely oil that you are reminded of this eternal power of transformation that you have within.
It's only with the dynamic skills of @jessadeedesigns that we were able to raise this image to its current use and with the modifications made by @bitterwitchbrews which brought this image to the vessel sides. I am eternally grateful to these wonderful women!
to be continued... The Story of the Biz Name 👀
Drop me a 🔥 Only because I haven't figured out how to create an emoji with my logo yet 😜
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​A warm thank you to those that have shown support this year with your purchases! I'm incredibly grateful for you! I'm dedicated to helping you make moments matter. And I'm excited about the new developments coming for 2022✨ 

It's been a year for the book of resilience. Or was it two? Are we there yet, Ma? 😄

​The developments in 2021 have included perfecting the tumbler formula, experimenting with branding the vessels, hiring and training an assistant, expanding e-commerce, planning a social media strategy, and most importantly settling into a schedule that supports balance in my life. ❤

​But the biggest of all is the purchase of our home! It has taken me a while to find the space that suits our unique lifestyle. This is a wonderful place from which to bloom. 🌹
​In order for this business to even exist it has to have a stable ground and a steady stream of income. Gosh, this is much more than making candles! In fact, I'm not making candles as much as I'd like to. 🤔🕯💫

​But look at that JOY 🤩 THAT comes from the people! Making time for people is the wheelhouse that provides me with resources, motivation, and inspiration! 
This JOY comes from my parents' being there, SDE & Sarah believing in me, friends' support, community embrace, and my sphere of influence cheering me on. This is a wonderful feeling 🥰 The more I put myself out there, the more I understand the "For." It's amazing what happened when I started believing in myself. ​The greatest token of gratitude here goes to the customers that have purchased from our website, pop-up markets, or wholesale this year! YOU are what makes the boat float. Going into the new year we are continually dedicated to making your moments matter by providing quality home and spa products with a guaranteed satisfaction and friendly customer service. 🕯💫

What's wonderful about 🍁October🍁 is the field trips, day hikes, and Halloween celebrations that mix up our routine a bit! 🎃💀🧙‍♀️
Homeschooling and running a business means setting a strict routine! The routine consists of a daily schedule paired with habits around morning, evening, and mealtime. It feels so good now that we have great weather, more folks socializing, and group field trips on the horizon! The hikes are good medicine, so long as we can ease right back to our comfortable schedule 😉 Don't worry, all orders ship before we go anywhere!

Does anyone have a favorite winter/holiday candle? You can share with me your favorite on our store page! Each year I make a variation of a Balsam pine candle. Last year Sincerely Candles & Company carried Balsam Boughs. This year I'm feeling like Frosted Balsam will be the ticket! I'll let you all know when I capture this essence to perfection.  The Pomegranate Anise will return for 2021! It's my favorite. I'll also bring back the Zabaglione unless you guys suggest something else. This is a warm, eggnog drink that speaks to my Italian heritage. It smells creamy, sweet, spicy. Divine! 😇

  Oh, the challenges of running a business have me singing the blues this month! My Explorer, the only transportation for Sincerely Traveling Boutique, needs major maintenance. I'm faced with a tough (ehhem...expensive) decision.  When faced with challenge what do I do? I stubbornly push forward thinking there is no possible way my plans could be ruined thinking to myself, "Someone will take me" or "I can borrow such and such's car." When I'm faced with the reality of the fact that even though I try my best, sometimes it will just not work out, I panic, cry, and call my family and friends for help. Thank God I have support! And I am so very grateful for the support I receive. For now, our pop-up market schedule is on hold until further notice.  Join our email list to be the first to hear of our next event! 👀 
 
I'd truly like to connect with you guys more personally to hear about your year-end plans, projects, or challenges you face. I believe personal connections and business followers are part of my community. There is Unity in that word. We need each other now more than ever! Feel compelled to connect one-on-one over coffee (in-person or virtual)? Choose a time that works for you here. If you prefer a more public connection, join my Chandler's Corner group on Facebook. Hope to connect with you soon! 🌹 
 
For Freedom, 
~Kim Patchen 

PS ~ Join me for networking the Rockstar Connect way here in the Heart of North Carolina! Please click to submit your free registration. ​

Never again will I take for granted the opportunity to come together! A celebration, memorial service, or congregation; they are all expressions of culture that originate in the soul of the world and its people. These are opportunites to experience ourselves through our loved ones and perfect strangers.

Have you ever met someone in passing that unintentionally sheds light on something for you? That something you perceive to be a weakness or an area where growth is needed?

​That sweet lady had no idea of what was created. Not a clue that her mere observation would be a huge insight for another, that a token of optimism would lift the spirit of another, that an act of common decency would forever change a life.

I suppose a certain degree of humble is required in order to be receptive enough to welcome change in the first place, but when it happens it's like a flood that rushes over your body, or a light that comes on, or a seed that is cast.

And it seems that the vessel has to be fertile enough to nurture this seed. A nacreous ecosystem with the potency to arouse the language that persists, unfolding from the abyss, a blessing. A seed is germinated. Observe, there's a stem. 🌿

The murky slough that is uncovered.
The negativity that is washed clean.
The oppression dissolved.
For the world is our mirror.
To the people we turn our eyes.
We are what we want to see.
A prayer for humanity 🙏❤

When I received my package I couldn't wait to see how they would feel. The material is perfect because they have a nice finish and water proof! The design we created is more refreshing and easy-to-read than the previous design. I am pleased to pay a few cents extra per label to work one-on-one with a lady I enjoy doing business with and for me to know my purchase is helping Genevieve and her two girls. Now when you purchase a Sincerely Candle you are supporing at least two single mothers!

Try our Dixie Lane Signature Collection here on our site!
Check out all the branding and marketing services Get Starred has to offer!
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Sincerely Yours,
~Kim