The outline of Long Island has become a candle in Lisa Guzzardi’s hands. For the maker behind Crafted Candles by Lisa, choosing that shape answered a business question: what could she make that would feel like it came from her?
A wax kit gave the interest a start
In her written interview with Debjo’s Boutique, Guzzardi remembers a childhood kit containing cotton string, paraffin wax and a little oil. With supervision, she learned to melt the wax in a double boiler.
Candle making wasn’t constant, but making things stayed with her through fine arts studies at FIT. “I’ve never been afraid to get a little messy in the creative process,” she wrote.
Home supplies the shape
When she began making candles as a business, Guzzardi wanted a design with its own place in a crowded market. The island she calls home gave her a familiar outline to work from.
Her Long Island Silhouette Candle uses custom wooden X wicks and is unscented. She says she designed it with outdoor use in mind and that it was featured at the Long Island Welcome Center.
The first candle needn’t be the signature
For a new customer, Guzzardi recommends a candle tin, especially Fraser Fir. She describes the tins as an affordable introduction and a “just right” size for trying a fragrance.
That smaller format makes her recommendation easier to understand: somebody can try a scent before choosing a much larger candle. The collection also includes a tin subscription, the first decision can still be just one tin.
Compare the Fraser Fir candle tin with the place and fragrance you have in mind. Guzzardi found her signature by choosing something personal; a first customer gets to make a smaller version of that choice.