We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carmen Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
firstName}, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with us about a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Postpartum depression affects so many in the community and hearing from someone who has overcome PPD might help someone who is going through it right now. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience
Carmen’s Custom Jars began when I was searching for a positive outlet while dealing with postpartum depression. As a seasoned mom of 3, my third birth threw me for a loop that was hard hitting and unexpected-Wasn’t getting enough sleep and went through postpartum psychosis. Thankfully family and friends helped me get medical treatment. When things got manageable, I coped by researching artistic and creative things that made me happy. Eventually, I stumbled upon gold leafing and candle making. I decided to try both and decorated recycled jars with gold leaf and made hand poured candles. The process was very calming and brought me joy. That was 4 years ago now, and I am happy to say I am doing well with therapy and the support of my husband, family and friends. If there is anything that I learned, it’s that we are stronger than we know and beautiful things can come from hard things.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an educator at heart-former elementary teacher who currently works in the Boston Public School system as an instructional aid full time. When I’m not working or taking care of my family, I craft decorative jars and make handpoured candles. My jars are Upcycled glass that would have otherwise been thrown away-but I use them to make beautiful flowers vases and locally/ethically sourced, beeswax candles. You’ll find that my jars are simple yet beautiful and my candles are a healthier alternative to heavy fragranced and chemical filled generic candles. I’m most proud of the quality that goes into my pieces and the joy my candles and jars bring to my customers. I’m a small one woman business and I work out of my home kitchen to make small batches of my jars and candles. It brings me joy when people comment on how beautiful my work is or that they found the perfect scented candle.
In my early career, I was an elementary school teacher. However, I left teaching to have a better work life balance. Eventually, I started a family and took a break from teaching. However, I will always be an educator at heart. This is why I enjoy teaching workshops on candle making with Carmen’s Custom Jars-it’s all about connection and building relationships for me.
That’s why I especially love markets to meet people in person. I get to connect and people can see the person behind the brand. Not to mention, the experience of using sense to touch, smell and see my products up close.
My brand is reflective of quality and authenticity. My products are meant to make people feel good about the candles they are taking into their homes- natural, hypoallergenic, simple yet elegant. Every candle contains plant bases essential oils and coconut oil. Clean, simple and toxin free. Each jar is made from recycled glass and decorated with a unique gold leaf design. I’m all about living a low toxin life and reducing waste. That’s why every candle jar we use is part of a buy back program, where customers can refill at 25% off. I want my jars to have minimal impact on the earth and in turn our communities.
Stay in the know about new seasonal scents and which markets I’m at on IG!! And remember to DM for questions, refills and feedback.
Contact Info:
Website: https://carmenscustomjars.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenscustomjars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Carmens-Custom-Jars-100084209777217/?locale=sw_KE
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-allen-208a172b
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In three years of business, one thing that has been really impactful is NOT obsessing over the money-meaning I focus more on the joy of my craft and the quality of my work. Although, I have to say, it’s been a struggle raising capital as a minority, women owned business. I lean into the value of social capital and building a strong presence for my company.
I have also never been one to follow trends-this is especially true for posting on socials. I tend to gain followers organically and am not pressed for likes.
I think one of the most important things when thinking about your social media presence is that there is room for everyone so connecting with others in your category is valuable because others can also share your content. Also important, is having patience…it takes time to build an audience organically. Using hashtags, location and topics can help you grow each time you post. I try not to post just to post, I do it when I’m moved to. I feel that this comes off as organic and authentic to my followers.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I love connecting/building partnerships! A few of my goals include:
-Building brand recognition & building my customer base (maybe also wholesale?)-Growing beyond in person markets by partnering with boutiques and flower shops (especially for my gold leaf flower jars and gaining clients through events aka weddings (decor and favors) and corporate candle making events etc.
-Sustainability & Mission Driven Growth-Continuing to work with small farmer partners, BIPOC and women owned small businesses. Whether it be product/brand collaboration or purchasing materials from other local makers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carmenscustomjars.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenscustomjars/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Carmens-Custom-Jars-100084209777217/?locale=sw_KE
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-allen-208a172b
Image Credits
TRF entertainment-Jeremie Regis (me in vendor table picture)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
