Meet Elaine Graeser | Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elaine Graeser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaine, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I love candles! I got tired of spending good money on candles from big box stores that were full of chemicals, fake scents and really didn’t burn well. I started looking into to DIY candle making on-line and found a community of home candle makers that shared my desire for clean, creative, quality candles. I made my first candles just to have around the house and share with a few friends. I received nothing but positive feedback and took a shot at making enough as Christmas gifts for family and friends. Again, people seemed to love them. It did my heart well to see others getting so much joy from something that I created. My husband came up with name LANIES LIGHTS, hand drew the first logo, then surprised me, by having the first LANIES LIGHTS labels made. All along the way, I was encouraged and supported by other women small business owners that all said the same thing—you have a quality product you should start selling! I think the idea was there from the very beginning, like a seed in the soil. It needed the water of encouragement, the fertilizer of support and sunlight of others’ joy with my candles for it to grow!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think I am most proud to be a part of an artist community in Flagstaff that truly supports each other. I had a booth at the Flagstaff Urban Flea market this summer and fall. It is so encouraging to be surrounded by other small, local business owners, that are making their dreams come true also. We share the struggle of balancing our businesses with the rest of life, almost everyone has some other job. We have all had to navigate the “business” side of the house—tax licenses, website management, financial risk and managing the books. None of those things are easy, but easy isn’t what I want or even need. One of the beauty’s of this journey, is the struggle. I am learning something new at 54 years old, after 27 years as a nurse. I stepped into a whole new world! It is frustrating, exciting, challenging, fun and so rewarding! There are tons of folks making candles out there. My candles are not special, but they are unique! They are unique to my story, my path to get to where I am and my philosophy of making quality, elegant, clean candles that bring joy into peoples lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s make it the perfect Flagstaff Saturday in the summer—Get up early, grab a Columbian latte at Single Speed Coffee and drive up to Lowell Observatory for a phenomenal sun rise. Head over to Barre 3 Flagstaff for a total body workout and then over to the Flagstaff Urban Flea Market. Check out the local artists, eat some yummy food truck food, buy some awesome Lanies Lights candles and browse the creativity of Flagstaff. Walk over to Proper Meats and grab a delicious sandwich for a beautiful picnic and walk at Picture Canyon. Check the petroglyphs from the artist that were here 1100 years ago and take in the magic of the Coconino plateau. End the day with a handcrafted cocktail at The MacMillian, or local beer and pizza at Mother Road Brewery and Pizzicletta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my husband, Aaron, who encouraged me to take the leap into entrepreneurship. He has been so supportive throughout the entire process! I would also like to thank my family and friends who have all aided and guided me through this wonderful new life journey. Of course, a shoutout to all of the women business owners who have inspired me to meet this new challenge. I thank you all and am blessed to have so much support.

Website: https://lanieslights.com

Instagram: lanieslights