The Serendipitous Beginning (Part 1)

If you're reading this you probably know WHY I started Vance Family Soy Candles (I desperately needed income to support myself & 3 sons that I could make from home and why not fulfill that by making candles I needed that are free of synthetic fragrance at the same time?). But you may not know HOW.

My serendipitous story began 15 years ago, before most social media, apps, or WiFi enabled phones. I was pouring my heart out to a friend (who runs a successful wholesale business) explaining how I was having a hard time juggling in person sales with my very active toddler in tow.

How did he do it? How did he get into so many businesses without going door to door?

Trade shows! I would only need to set up once and buyers from 1,000's of businesses would come to me he explained. He encouraged me to sign up for the Seattle Gift Trade Show that was just a few weeks away.

Oh I was so excited! This was exactly what I needed!

I went home and excitedly did some research & found there was one booth left! Sure, it was way in the back but I'll take what I can get! Than I saw the price tag. Hope quickly turned to shock and discouragement as I realized the booth space was $3,000.

I had $100 to my name. That's IT.

But every cell of my body, my spirit, everything said, "Do it anyways. Sign up. You will find a way."

So I signed the contract knowing full well that if I didn't come up with the money within 2 weeks not only would I not be able to do the show but I would still owe them the money!

I used my $100 to create a small line of candles with very generic labels, a basic price sheet, and a sign.

The majority of my scents I've created from life experiences & nostalgia.

One of the first I created, and still a top seller today, was Hiking Trail.

A mix of evergreen & wood essential oils that transport you to the wilderness & for me, brings a sense of peace & empowerment.

I made the Hiking Trail candle for the show as well as a few others that I honestly don't remember.

Now how to pay?

I was frantically trying to find a way to pay, selling what little I had, doing side jobs, but I was only making enough to pay my usual bills.

I came to the realization I was going to have to humble myself and ask to borrow money. So I asked. And I asked. But no one had money to lend me.

The Trade Show kept calling and emailing, calling and emailing letting me know that if I didn't pay within 4 days I would lose my spot and owe them anyways.

Three days later I was driving down the highway, feeling defeated, crying, wondering why I had been such a fool.

Suddenly, the car in front of me stopped. In the highway. I slammed into it. No one got hurt but my car was totaled.

Excellent, now I don't have a car either.

I found an adorable gold Volvo station wagon for $1,200 that would work perfect for my family.

Now I need $4,200 to buy the car and pay for the show.

Strangely, I had upgraded my car insurance for the first time ever to full coverage just a month or so prior.

I looked up the Blue Book value for my totaled vehicle and it was right at $1,200.

Oh thank goodness I prayed. Atleast I'd have a car!

But I needed $4,200.

Today.

I kept ignoring the calls from the Trade Show.

Than a different number called.

It was my insurance company.

"Your check is ready for you to pick up." they said.

As I walked out of the insurance office, unopened envelope in hand, I thanked God for keeping me and my sons safe, for me oddly getting full insurance, for the Volvo I was about to pick up and asked for help one last time.

I opened the envelope and took out the check.

It was $4,200.

It gets even better! Part 2 coming soon!

Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!