Creativity was the heart of my grandmother’s life. She was a deeply creative woman who found beauty and joy in even the smallest details. She braided my hair with ribbons, decorated Easter eggs with jewels and delicate touches, and filled her home with handmade treasures. Even with the demands of raising six sons and one daughter and working two jobs, she kept creativity central to everything she did.
My grandmother’s daily life was full. She worked as the crossing guard for the elementary school just outside her house and at an off-track betting place. But no matter how busy she was, she always made time for her crafts. Her craft corner in the basement was her sanctuary—a space where her creative spirit could flourish. Among her many projects, one of the most memorable was her candle-making.
She made candles shaped like ice cream sundaes, pouring wax into beautiful glasses and decorating them to look good enough to eat. These candles weren’t just objects; they were little works of art. She sold them for $5 each, not only to earn a little extra money but also for creative expression. Her candles weren’t scented, and she used paraffin wax, but that didn’t matter—they were an extension of her artistry and resourcefulness.
What she showed me through her life was that creativity can always be at the forefront, no matter how busy or challenging things might seem. She found ways to infuse her days with beauty and intention, teaching me that creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of living.
When I make candles for Wax Crescent, I think of her. Although my candles are different—crafted from non-toxic soy wax and infused with elegant fragrances—the essence of creativity that she embodied is woven into everything I do. She taught me that a candle is more than just an object; it’s a reflection of care, craftsmanship, and the stories we choose to tell.
Wax Crescent is, in many ways, a tribute to my grandmother. Through my candles, I honor her legacy by keeping creativity at the center of my life and sharing that light with others. Just as her ice cream sundae candles brought joy to those who bought them, I hope my candles inspire others to find beauty and meaning in their everyday moments.