Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Munson.
Hi Jen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts in November of 2021. I was hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia, respiratory failure, and ARDS. It was not what I expected when I had my son drive me to the ER. I was in the hospital for about two weeks, waiting for a non-covid bed, as things seemed to be turning around until things took a turn for the worse. On November 22, an ICU nurse came into my room to talk to my husband, Steve, and me. She was there to strongly suggest being intubated so my body and lungs could rest. This was a tough decision. At that point, I could either choose for myself or that night I may be in an emergency. I decided to go ahead with intubation. That night, I FaceTimed my three kids, the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I woke up 35 hours into being on the ventilator. While in the ICU, my fantastic nurse used essential oils to help with my uncomfortable position. Essential oils became a big part of my recovery therapy. I was in the hospital for a total of 23 days, with five of those days being on a ventilator. Being faced with a life-and-death situation makes one question many things! Why me? Why did I survive? Do I have a bigger purpose in my life?
Fast forward, my sister-in-law gave me a candle-making session at a candle store in northern Minnesota. We had so much fun picking out our scents and jars and making the candles. When we left, she said, “I think you should open a candle store.” I am sure I just laughed and said, “Ya, right!” Of course, that is when the seed was planted. Is this something I could do? This aligns with wanting to share the power of fragrance, more of myself, and find a bigger life purpose. I practiced candle making, reading & watching everything I could. I was thinking maybe this could work. I did craft shows and a little online selling. Steve and I started throwing out the idea of a storefront. I knew I would want to be on Main Street in Annandale. I felt that if it would work, it would have to be in our little “hallmark” town. We found a small space, and it took three months to renovate the space. I can’t tell you how often I cried driving home, wondering, “What am I doing?” On opening day, May 2023, I was blown away at the number of people going through the store! It was Annandale’s Chili Cook-off; what a day it was! It has been a great first year so far!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is not smooth! I am good at taking the hard road to the easy path. I am doing a lot of learning along the way. So many hats need to be worn when owning your own business.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always loved to create. All candles, wax melts, room sprays, and perfume rollers are made in-house. I specialize in offering candle-making for individuals and groups. Bookings can be during business hours or after hours. It is a great little “getaway” from the everyday. I also offer many gifts, homeopathic aids, and local crafters products. I am proud of the store I have created. Almost everything in the store has helped with my recovery in some way. I am pleased to offer candles that are 100% soy with cotton wicks and clean fragrances.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising most might not know about my work is that I always test candles and fragrances. I am always looking for the best quality in my products!
Pricing:
- Candle pouring is based on what jar you pick for your candle $30/25/22
- 9 oz tumbler $22.00
- room sprays 2 oz 7.00
- perfume rollers $14.00
- Wax melts $6.00
Contact Info:
- Website: tinroofcandlecompany.com
- Instagram: tin roof candle co. jen munson
- Facebook: tin roof candle co. jen munson
