We were lucky to catch up with Craig and Karla Axelson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Craig and Karla with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Our dedication to hard work has deep roots in our upbringing. My grandpa was a dedicated dairy farmer who worked tirelessly to support his family, even into his 90s. He was a true example of determination and hard work! This strong work ethic became a part of me from a young age. I can still vividly recall being 5 years old, attending tap and ballet classes after school. At that age, my main concern was how hungry I was for dinner. Despite my pleas to quit, my mom instilled a valuable lesson in me: once I start something, giving up isn’t an option. That early lesson has stuck with me ever since.
Both Craig and I kicked off our part-time work journeys in our early teens, guided by a simple principle: if we wanted something, we had to roll up our sleeves and earn it.
For Craig, the commitment to hard work and determination reached new heights when he joined the Air Force at the age of 17. It’s amazing how those early lessons and experiences shape our paths and influence the way we approach life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Believe it or not, Sugarberry Creek Candle Company was born when Craig’s only form of transportation was a BMX bike. As a six-year-old, he had a curious fascination with fire and the art of melting things. Luckily, he didn’t get into too much trouble! He would peddle his bike to neighborhood garage sales and buy any candle he could get his hands on, melting them in a soup can on top of his parents’ wood stove.
His first attempt at using the wax on his downhill skis didn’t quite pan out as planned. However, when he redirected his energy into crafting his own candles, things turned for the better. Imagine a shoelace cleverly inserted into the soup can, now serving as the wick.
Fast forward several years, Craig found himself revisiting the world of candle making, this time as a means to bond with his preteen daughter. When Craig and I began dating in 2017, candle-making became an annual Thanksgiving tradition with our kids. This shared passion nudged us to leap into the entrepreneurial world and start our own business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
That is a great question! As our journey continues, three things remain constant: patience, belief, and gratitude.
Navigating a small business is a rollercoaster ride with its fair share of highs and lows. The key? Patience and belief. For us, success has been slow but steady. Building a loyal customer base, crafting a brand identity, and achieving growth have demanded time (many sleepless nights), dedication (saying goodbye to the weekend), and a belief in ourselves. Countless hours have been dedicated to the research and development of our products, and we have unwavering confidence in their quality.
Our customers and community mean the world to us, and we wouldn’t be where we are without their incredible support. We are always on board to support our local nonprofits’ fundraising events! It’s our way of showing gratitude and giving back where it counts.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always looking for collaboration! At Sugarberry Creek we offer wholesale and custom candles for all sorts of occasions, from birthdays and weddings to baby showers and new home purchases. We even offer candle-making classes. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
Contact Info:
- Website: sugarberrycreekcandles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarberrycreekcandles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarberrycreekcandles
- Other: email: [email protected] TikTok: @sugarberrycreek
