Milestones

As many of you know, I started Kindred Home in late 2014 (then Sunny & Lo). I left a steady job without much of a plan, just a dream to build my own business, which was pretty crazy to a lot of people - even me at times - yet I held on to faith that I'd figure it out along the way. Even though I'm still figuring it out (every day) I can hardly believe that December 14 of this year will officially mark two years since our first market in LA. I love that this milestone coincides with the holiday season, not only is it our busiest time of year it's also the perfect time of year for reflection...

It's embarrassing to admit but two years ago I didn't realize I was essentially starting a manufacturing company. I thought I was just pouring candles - which I was - but there was so much that had yet to reveal itself. From what I've heard this isn't uncommon at the beginning of any new venture. It's a lot of trial and error, and a lot of tedious tweaks and modifications to work you've already spent countless hours on - it takes some tenacity. At the hardest times it has felt grueling and I question all of my work, but like anything worthwhile there are moments when all that perseverance pays off, moments not unlike a few we've had recently...

We were selected for The Everygirl's 2016 Gift Guide - an honor I don't take lightly. I read The Everygirl long before I started my business. I love reading about all the successful women they feature, and I routinely reference their guides for gifting inspiration, which makes this milestone that much more monumental. There are millions of products (and countless candles) on the market, which makes being included very special. You have to have a lot of faith to start a business and develop a product, you have to believe that what you're doing is worthwhile - if you don't believe in your own work, who will? In reflecting on this event I realized it was the perfect topic for my second blog post because it marked a moment when my work was acknowledged by people I admire on a platform that speaks directly to women just like me.

As if that wasn't enough, it gets even better. Being in The Everygirl Gift Guide was amazing, yet an even more thrilling moment came just a few days ago when their Cofounder, Danielle, included our Mistletoe candle in her article, 8 Candles to Gift This Holiday Season. At the top of a list that included candles by Jo Malone and Diptyque was OUR Mistletoe candle! Wow!

It's true that our candles have been featured on other platforms but this time is different because it's the first time since we became Kindred Home, and the first time in front of such a big audience. These features feel like holiday gifts to me because I'll always be able to look back at 2016 and remember the first time our candles were featured in major gift guides. And when things get rough next year and those moments of uncertainty creep up - as they do for all of us - I'll be able to reflect the validation and excitement I felt in these moments. And with that, I'm sending abundant gratitude to The Everygirls, especially Danielle, it's a milestone for Kindred Home and a holiday gift I will always treasure!

*feature image via Danielle Moss