Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Roinila.
Hi Anna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Anna, I’m a UMN graduate who has lived in Minnesota since 2010. I started Sentimental Customs in 2021 to create personalized candles in honor of loved ones or life events. Having a Journey Candle to light at home allows families to connect, honor their loss, and remember that their loved one lives on in their own lives forever. Our candles can be fully customized for each individual, allowing families to design something unique that they will cherish for years. We have a few varieties of Journey Candles now, such as tall glass candles, short soy candles, and flameless candles that are battery operated (and included!).
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Sentimental Customs started to give grieving families something more than just a hug or flowers. There are always personal challenges along the way, but in regards to the business, one of my biggest struggles is always wanting to give candles away as gifts. After gifting over 160 candles to the 21 families in Uvalde, Texas, I started a Pay it Forward program where a grieving family can be sponsored and receive candles at no cost to them. Friends can nominate that family in need and pay for 6 candles to be sent to the grieving family for $30 (this sponsorship fee covers our cost to create these candles). I hope this incentive helps bring our Journey Candles to more families experiencing an unimaginable loss.
I’m a full-time funeral director and pride myself in connecting with the families I work with. This means going above and beyond for their services, and trying to create memorable moments that will bring joy rather than heartache. I began making candles for a close friend (Katie’s Mom
) and wanted to share them with the world. The positive response from families gives me such fulfillment in my life, and I hope my candles bring the same warm feelings to those who receive them. Our Journey Candles are different from other candles because we design them together to your liking, using memorable photos and custom verses. Each candle is hand-crafted with love and one of a kind.What makes you happy?I find that my happiness comes from sharing happiness with others. It is better to give than to receive. I love nature and creating, as it gives me a sense of peace and purpose. Making candles helps relieve my grief and stress, and I hope to share this opportunity with our community by hosting Celebration Art Events (a crafting time for loved ones to reconnect after a loss). I enjoy making a difference in the world. I know candles might seem silly, but the families who have received them have been so thankful. They truly are a special gift to give and to receive.
Pricing:
- Glass Journey Candle – 2×8″ – $12 each
- Flameless Journey Candle – 3×8″ – $30-35 each
- Soy Journey Candle – 4×5″ – $20-25 each
- Scripture or Wedding Candle – 2×8″ – $12 each
- Celebration Art Event – 10-15 in attendance, pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.sentimentalcustoms.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/sentimentalcustoms
- Facebook: Facebook.com/sentimentalcustoms
- Youtube: www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRR82MTt/
- Other: Linktr.ee/sentimentalcustoms
