Meet Dawn Hull

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dawn Hull. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dawn, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

– [ ] When I think of creativity, I think of the surge of inspiration I felt when I first saw a flamboyant tree in St. John many years ago before Hurricane Irma hit. I instantly knew I had to paint this tree even though painting is not my strongest skill. Knowing my talent could not live up to the magnificence of the tree, I embarked on the challenge nonetheless. I realized during that process, the desire to create this painting was fulfilling the inspiration’s original pull. Similarly, the draw of creating CandlestickCoasters first came from my own necessity and search for a small personal side table where I could place my drink. I saw candlesticks at a local store and realized I could create my own. Together, CandlestickCoasters balances creativity, functionality, and design. I try to find inspiration everywhere which, in turn, keeps my creativity alive.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Absolutely! In addition to my full-time role in risk consulting, I create small personal side tables to hold a beverage that double as plant stands or catch-all trays. I call them CandlestickCoasters. Each piece is unique, as I repurpose candlestick holders and various tops that I find.

Although I love each step along the way, the most exciting part for me is the actual creation process. It’s incredibly fun to see how disjointed objects can come together to form something new and beautiful. I love watching my CandlestickCoasters portfolio grow, and I’m thrilled by the extensive variety of designs I’ve already created! I recently introduced a new piece that I’m really excited about. It features a handmade floral top created by a local artist paired with a beautiful yellow 19th-century candlestick holder crafted in Leeds, England. I named this piece “All Roads Leeds to You.” I’m thrilled to showcase this unique composition at the CandlestickCoasters booth in the Marietta Antique Mall, which is located near the Big Chicken and Marietta Square in Georgia.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First and foremost, loosen your mental grip on what things are supposed to be and allow yourself to have fun. Think differently, often, and creatively to regroup ideas or concepts into something that hasn’t been seen before. Most importantly, be unapologetically yourself. I often wait for that “click” moment to know when something is finished or complete. In some instances, that can happen within milliseconds, while in others, it may take years.

Secondly, understand when to connect the dots and when to let things be. Steve Jobs famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward;you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future,” and I’ve found this to be true. Sometimes, you have to trust the process—sometimes even blindly—as you navigate your creative journey.

Lastly, always strive to do your best work and be the best version of yourself that you can be. Embrace the journey, and let your creativity flourish!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

CandlestickCoasters is a creative project where I aim to blend functionality with artistry. I’ve always been drawn to unique table tops—pieces that tell a story and add character to a space. By pairing them with various candlestick holders, the goal is to create one-of-a-kind designs. I think it’s important to support emerging talent. I’m open to a variety of styles, but I have a soft spot for artisanal craftsmanship—anything handmade that has a unique texture or design. I love pieces that incorporate natural materials, like wood or stone, as well as those that feature bold colors or intricate patterns. The key is finding something that complements the candlestick holders while also standing out on its own. Anyone interested in collaboration can reach out to me on my website at CandlestickCoasters.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CandlestickCoasters.com
• Instagram: @candlestickcoasters
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnkhull

Image Credits

CandlestickCoasters