An Inspired Chat with Carrie Robertson of Historic Downtown

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carrie Robertson. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
The thing that I am being called to do most right now is to simply let go, to stop holding attachments based on my own desires.

Letting go, or even just loosening my grip on the people, the places, and the things that I love has (and will always be) a terrifying experience. What I have learned over the years, however, is that no matter how much you love or want something, the things that aren’t meant for you will fall away because they have to. The tighter you grip, the more it hurts when it’s gone. Allowing oneself to flow like water towards the things that ARE meant for you makes the process of release much softer. Still, I want to grip and cling. I love hard, I form attachments to versions of myself that aren’t meant to stay. This time in life is calling me more now than ever before to simply soften, release, and allow.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Carrie Robertson, and I’m the owner and candle maker at Peanut City Candle Co.

It should not be surprising that most of the mass produced candles and melts on the market today contain some seedy and questionable ingredients–heavy metals in the wicks, petroleum-based waxes and additives, and fragrances that contain phthalates and other chemicals proven to cause harm.

After much research into what would be best for use around my dog (and myself, but mostly my dog) and a little wine, a soy wax candle-making kit was purchased and the rest is history. What started as a fun hobby turned into a small business, and here we are…

My goal was, is, and will always be, simply stated: create the healthiest, most fragrant wax products possible. For this reason, Peanut City Candle Co. uses only 100% USA-grown soy wax, clean burning wicks made from natural materials, and fragrances that are guaranteed phthalate-free, and bear zero PROP-65 warnings.
All products are dye- and additive-free.

A hallmark of Peanut City Candle Co. is our commitment to rigorous and continuous product testing and an intimate knowledge of the products we offer. Quality, safety, and consumer education are our top priorities. Our mission is to be THE safest luxury candle brand on the market.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My father. My dad’s work ethic was like none other. He was always on time, always the one that everyone knew would get the job done and done well. Big Glenn was like a super star. He was well-liked and respected because of his sense of humor, his expertise, and his ability to be counted on. My dad was and always will be my role model for how work should be done.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been a lot of times that I’ve almost given up, actually. I’m currently in one of those times where things feel too heavy, like I need to just set some things down. I think that we live in a culture where “giving up” is looked down upon, but that’s something that needs to be reframed. Whenever your peace or your sense of life and self is at stake, we should all feel encouraged to let things go. Sometimes giving up is what takes you to a newer and better level of life.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. When I speak and interact with my customers, they are getting the authentic Carrie. But at my core, I am not an extrovert. I do not seek people out, I prefer to spend time alone mostly, and occasionally with a few close friends.

I think that if you were to poll people that know me through my work and social media, they would acknowledge my love, kindness, and humor, but would certainly mistake it as me being more worldly, open, and accessible to everyone on a personal level, and I am not. I’m very private and reserved.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Everything.
I love what I do. I love to bring light and joy into the lives and homes of my customers, but if I knew that I only had ten years left, I’d sell off everything I own, I’d buy an old muscle car, and I’d hit the road until my time was up. I’d be out looking for God in the hidden corners of this country: wandering through forests, staring at mountains from horseback, and finding every backroad from one coast to the next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peanutcitycandleco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peanutcitycandleco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peanutcitycandleco/