Gold List: Everything Looks Better By Candlelight

Happy Wednesday, Dear Readers! Have I got a very special treat for you today. I had the pleasure of interviewing the fabulous Tamiko Hargrove, president and creator of the luxe candle collection, Helen Julia. I'm a long time admirer of the Helen Julia line and I know you'll enjoy them as much as I do.
The lovely Tamiko
DE: Tamiko, tell us a bit about your company, Helen Julia.
TH: The name Helen Julia was inspired by my grandmothers, Helen Hargrove (my
dad's mom) and Julia Calderon (my mom's mom). These two women have helped
shape me into the woman I have become and without them I would not be here.
So, what better way to thank them for their existence is to name my candle
company after them.

I've always been a fan of fragrance and craft since I was a child. I love
using my hands in a creative way to make people feel beautiful whether
spiritually or physically (I used to be a makeup artist as well).

Helen Julia's Candle Collection was created to spiritually take you away
from the daily chaos and stress that surrounds us. You're not just
purchasing a candle when you purchase a Helen Julia Candle. Each candle
inspires distinct moods; rich in meaning and memory. The names of each
candle intrigues your curiosity to want to learn more; in addition to the
beautiful packaging that's like no other candle company.

Helen Julia's candles are also 100% Soy Wax for a cleaner burn to the
environment.
DE: How do you come up with your fragrance combinations? The Sexy Suede
and Pink Diamond sound heavenly.
TH: I'm inspired by the memories that are created behind every holiday and
season we experience. This is how my fragrances and candle descriptions are
created. For instance, Sexy Suede was inspired by the thought of a cold
winter night sitting in front of a fireplace with a blanket, cuddled up with
a significant other while enjoying "the moment". Sexy Suede Soy Candle is a
unisex scent (Vanilla Sandalwood scent) for him or her. Pink Diamond was
thought of during Summer when reminiscing of my childhood. It's a very
girly fragrance (Cotton Candy Scent) while still feeling like an adult when
burning this candle.
Sexy Suede, a sensual Vanilla Sandlewood fragrance
DE: You've recently launched an exciting partnership with Apartment 48.
How did that come about?
TH: The Partnership of Apartment 48 and Helen Julia is really a "people come
into your life for a reason, season and/or lifetime" story. I was and still
am a returning customer of Apartment 48 home design boutique. The unique
items that are sold in the boutique becomes addictive to keep going back to
find out what's new! The owner of Apartment 48 purchased my candles at
wholesale to sell in his store. The candles did so well, he came up with
the idea to launch his own candle line and used Helen Julia as the
distributor. And so, Apartment 48 Candle by Helen Julia was born! The
scent is Jasmine and Lychee. It smells delicious!
Pearl Drop, a refreshing Citrus Grapefruit scent
DE: How can our brides include Helen Julia candles in their wedding?
TH: Brides can incorporate Helen Julia candles for their events in several ways.
1.) Brides usually have a bridal shower and bachelorette party to celebrate
the next chapter of their lives. What a perfect way to thank your bridal
party and guests for their support in helping "you", the bride, celebrate
one of the happiest days of your life by giving them a Helen Julia Candle as
a gift. Helen Julia offers personalized ribbon for each candle. We can print
whatever you'd like on the ribbon for the candle of your choice.

2.) While most venues for such events do not allow scented candles to burn during your special event, Helen Julia also offers unscented candles for display to add
to your color theme. Helen Julia candles are packaged with their own colored
ribbon. All of Helen Julia's soy candles are available in two sizes.

3.) Last but not least... Dawn Easters brides will be in "The Know" of the
latest products by Helen Julia for your events.
The I Do candle, a gorgeous rose bouquet scent
DE: So, what's next for Helen Julia?
TH: What's next for Helen Julia are room sprays and a second candle collection
titled "The Tuxedo Collection" with new packaging and luxury, upscale scents. These items will launch Spring/Summer 2009! We look forward to introducing you to these new products and are very excited about the expansion of Helen Julia, Inc.!
Magnolia Bliss, a southern magnolia scent