Alyssa Foltz has been a teacher at Krueger Middle School in Michigan City for seven years. Foltz teaches English Language Arts to 8th graders.
“Last school year, I received Pride of the Pack, which is an award given to one teacher at my school every year for the work they do with students and staff,” Foltz said.
With the abrupt start of quarantining in March due to COVID-19, Foltz felt as if she missed out on a lot of her normal interactions with her students.
“In March, it seemed like things happened so fast,” Foltz said. “One day we were in school like normal, and then by the end of the day, we were told we were off for a month. Teaching drastically changed for me in that short amount of time. I went from interacting with around 75 amazing kids every single day to nothing. It was so sudden. We didn't have required Zoom meetings or anything like we do now.”
Because of the void she felt from her usual time spent teaching, Foltz chose to find other outlets to occupy her time. At first, Foltz tried crocheting. She watched videos in an attempt to learn how to crochet and bought all of the necessary materials. However, this new hobby did not keep her attention for long.
When Foltz realized that crocheting wouldn’t work for her, she found a new hobby, which eventually evolved into a business: candle making.
“I have always been a candle lover, but I did not pay attention to anything other than the price and if it smelled good,” Foltz said.
With her newfound free time, Foltz began to research different types of wax, the benefits of each, and clean scents to be used in candles.
“I found a really great company that has a line of clean fragrance oils. I decided to try my hand at candle making.”
Foltz quickly found that candle making was a bit more difficult than she had originally thought it to be. She described the process as a “definite science.” All the parts of the candle must work in harmony, which meant testing many different jars, candle wicks, and scents.
Originally, Foltz didn’t begin making candles with the purpose of selling them.
“I gave a few to friends and family, and then it just grew from there,” Foltz said.
In May 2020, when she officially began to sell her candles, she named her business after something close to her heart. 204 Candle Co. is named after her classroom number.
Foltz was amazed by the results of her business venture and is grateful for how quickly her business grew, and the amount of support she has received.
“I have a really great support system, and my customers are truly amazing,” Foltz said.
Along with the results from the community, Foltz has also seen changes in herself from beginning this business.
“If you would have asked me a year ago where I saw myself today, it definitely wouldn't be here," Foltz said. "I am so grateful for this experience. I have learned so much about myself during this process.”
Check out 204 Candle Co. at their website: https://www.204candleco.com/
Or on their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/204candleco/