Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Keeler.
Hi Pam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
During the pandemic, my volunteer work with the Simpson Shelter was put on hold due to Covid-19. I wanted to pick up a new hobby so while adjusting to working remotely, I began to teach myself how to make candles after work.
As time went on, candles went from a hobby to a passion and I realized I could use it as a business model to help give back to the Simpson Shelter, a 24/7 shelter in place for men and women experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis.
I wanted my company to have a name that was significant to me, so I chose to combine the names of two of the best animals I’ve had in my life: my horse Champale, or ‘Pale’ and my dog Pippin, or ‘Pip.’
2021 was the first year of selling candles to family and friends. My sales were under $1500 and I was ecstatic! After four rounds of rebranding, I finally landed on the creative direction that I now use.
In 2022, I launched my four Collections: Spring/Summer, Fall, Winter and the Signature (which are available year-round). Each collection has four fragrances.
I also have three wonderful wholesale accounts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding the right soy wax and wicks that burn well in the wax has been a huge challenge. I have tried many waxes and wicks and done a lot of testing. Fragrance oils are abundant with so many companies offering hundreds of options. I only use ‘Clean burning fragrances and lead-free wicks.’ Most of the companies I ordered my fragrances and wax from were from California. I ordered a lot of sample fragrances. I searched and searched for a company for my wax because I purchase 90 pounds at a time and found one here in MN with free shipping.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The biggest positive feedback I receive from my candles is that the scent is not overpowering and the fragrance is wonderful both when not lit and when lit. My selection of collections is well thought out offering a variety of fragrances. My candles are also hand-poured locally in Minnesota.
I am most proud of listening to my customers and their feedback on my candles.
I am not afraid to pull a fragrance if it does not perform well and immediately have another choice.
I always pour paw print wax tart samples of each fragrance if customers would like to smell the fragrance and have those available to also send out with each order.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
It’s hard for me to predict what is going to happen over the next 5 – 10 years based on our current economic situation. I would like to see more support for Small and Local Businesses.
Pricing:
- 12 oz Glass Tumbler $25.00
- 6 oz Black Metal Tin $12.00
- Soy Blend Wax Melt $6.00
Contact Info:
- Website: pippinandpale.com
- Instagram: pippinpale_candleco
Image Credits
Steve Bernstein
