Refreshing Moments with Sharon
A small flame lit. The soft glow illuminates a pool of light on my kitchen island. Though the coffee aroma is strong, soon another pleasant fragrance begins to fill the room. I enjoy candles. My husband, who has stuck by me while I sniff candle after candle looking for the ‘right one’; will tell you how much I enjoy candles…and how picky I am. While finding that perfect candle, that perfect scent has not always been easy, it is much simpler now that I’ve found Refreshing Moments with Sharon.
While I’m naturally drawn to candles, it was their beautifully elegant, yet understated booth that caught my eye. Clean and not over-crowded, her candles stood at the ready to be sampled. As I lifted candle after candle, I realized this lovely lady has created more than just a bunch of candles. Each one had a unique, perfectly balanced fragrance. Even without being lit, each scent was so lovingly created, I couldn’t help but smile!
As Sharon came over from helping another customer, she instantly made me feel welcomed, as if she had all the time in the world to chat. A lover of stories, I could tell she had one to share. And she graciously agreed to share it with me. Here is Sharon’s story.
~ How did Refreshing Moments with Sharon come about?
The idea began with my own devotions. I like to light a candle when I spend time with God. A well-scented candle helps set the atmosphere and encourages me to focus on and hear from Him. The idea to share this with others first came in 2018 as a ‘something I’d like to do someday’ idea. As an ordained minister, I was already doing ministry and the concern was this venture would cause me to lose focus on that. So, Refreshing Moments was initially set to the background.
Then in 2020 when covid happened the ministry I was a part of stopped meeting in person, much like everything else. There was extra money from not driving so much and extra time available now. So I bought a candle-making kit, but quickly realized how labor-intensive it would be to learn how to make my own candles.
My next plan was to have someone else make them for me. I already knew who I wanted. Prior to covid I had met my mentors at the Flowertown Festival. They are a sweetly saved couple who radiate hospitality. On our first meeting they made me feel welcomed, seen, and loved. We had kept in touch over the years as I purchased candles from them for myself and as gifts for others.
I asked if they’d be interested in making me a line of candles and they agreed. I was so excited! Then in the middle of product production they decided to give the business to their son who was moving out of state. They offered to have him make them and ship them or teach me to make the candles myself. Between this wonderful couple’s integrity they had already shown me and my faith in God’s sovereign timing; I never doubted the candles would get made.
I took the leap of faith and under their guidance, began to learn the art of candle-making. They taught me about which wax is best and easiest to use. Since they already had a good idea of what I liked they also helped get me connected with a fragrance company. Their generous mentorship took months of time and money off my learning process!
~ How long was your mentorship with them?
Oh, it’s still happening! I’ll call to ask questions about product or booth issues. Ideas about events to go to and other business aspects. They’ve taught me so much!
~ How did you choose your standard fragrances?
I ordered tons of samples and as I tested each one I asked myself, how does it make me feel? Does it make me feel relaxed? Ease anxiety and tension? Does it bring joy? Does it make the atmosphere feel like home all year round? If it was too loud, it was an instant ‘No’! My goal was to make a line of candles that would encourage people to unwind.
~ Which is your favorite scent?
*small chuckle* I get asked this a lot and I always say the same. That’s like asking me which kid is my favorite! It really depends on my mood though. If I want something lively or for guests I light Citrus & Agave. For relaxing, I use Spa Day or Sea Salt & Jasmine. Autumn Bliss is perfect for all those Fall Feels. Then there’s Cocoa Butter Cashmere for a more sexy atmosphere.
~ On your website I noticed you also have a blog.
Yes, I haven’t written in it for awhile, but they are devotions that are still getting read today. In starting Refreshing Moments with Sharon, the blog was a way for me to minister to others through covid and social distancing.
~ Speaking of ministry, would you say your view of ministry has changed since beginning Refreshing Moments?
Oh, definitely! Before I thought doing ministry and walking in my calling there had to be a formal platform or at church; apart from helping family or friends. It was a legalistic view. Now I know there are no limits on when and where ministry is done. God has shown me through making and selling candles that ministry is getting into the community. Our interactions with others is ministry. Our lives are living epistles. It’s been more than with my customers as well. Other vendors have mentioned how they feel better being set up beside me. That’s not me, that's Jesus. There are times when His name never comes up, but He’s working. God has shown me He can minister through anything. And I’m looking forward to what God has in store for me next!
~ What are some other things you’ve learned through this?
Oh wow! God is faithful to His word and to us, even in times of struggles and doubt. When our tent would break and product was lost due to rain. Or when business was slow and I would wonder if this was going to provide enough for my family, God was still faithful. He has shown me nothing is ever wasted, not the hard or ugly parts. All of it will be made into something beautiful. Our story for His glory & in His love.
He’s also taught me to not take rejection personally. Also, where I find myself is where I’m supposed to be. Through the hills and the valleys God would encourage me to keep going. One of the greatest encouragements has been repeat customers. There are so many ways people can buy candles. So when someone enjoys a candle I’ve created enough to buy more, I take that as a huge compliment…and even more if they are buying again as a gift for someone else! I don’t take a single compliment for granted!
~ Wow! As a customer, I’ve never really thought of it that way before! How neat!
Any ideas for what’s next?
Some, but nothing I can really share at the moment.
~ Well, when you are ready to share, we’d love to have you back!
Yes! That would be great!
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