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New York City resident Sarah Cooley makes homemade candles out of domestically grown, pure soybean oil for her home and lifestyle store, Simply Curated. The candles are poured into adorable containers like vintage cocktail glasses and come in awesome scents like Guava Fig. Simply Curated will be a vendor at our BUST Magazine Holiday Craftacular and Food Fair this month, which we’re super psyched about.
Here’s what Sarah had to say about her craft:
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Sarah Cooley and I’m the Founder and Creative Director of Simply Curated. I’m based in NYC and I make soy candles in vintage barware as well as a full line of candles in new containers.
How did you get started?
I started selling vintage housewares and through that I fell in love with vintage barware. I wanted to find a way to elevate the beauty of these glassware patterns in an object that could be appreciated every day, not just on special occasions. A friend of mine had suggested that I start making candles in tea cups, and while that really wasn’t my style, I thought that these beautiful vintage glasses would make the perfect container for a candle.
What’s inspiring you right now?
Other makers inspire me. I love keeping up with the awesome community of small business owners through Instagram. Seeing everyone’s success keeps me going on those hard days.
Any advice for those starting out in the handmade industry?
“Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle” – Jon Acuff
I have to remind myself of this all the time. When you start doing craft shows it can be easy to compare yourself to the person right next to you, or you might look at a company in the same product category as you and say, why can’t I get the same amount of press/attention/sales/etc. Many times companies that seem to have overnight success have been around for 10 years. Trust your pace.
What are you most looking forward to at the BUST Magazine Craftacular and Food Fair this year?
I’m excited to learn beauty product making with S.W. Basics!
Check out Sarah’s work, as well as the amazing wares of over 250 handmade, vintage, and fancy-food vendors, at the BUST Magazine Holiday Craftacular & Food Fair.
It’s all taking place on Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street, at 6th Ave.) in N.Y.C. The Craftacular will run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM both days.
