Today, we’re celebrating Women’s Equality Day which commemorates the certification of the 19th Constitutional Amendment in 1920, giving women the right to vote.

100 years ago, brave women fought for and won voting equality and that fight continues today to close the wage gap, equalize educational opportunities, end discrimination, provide access to health and reproductive care, and much, much more.

Our Values

When we started ACDC Co. seven years ago, we laid out 4 fundamentals that we stand behind:

We are FORWARD – equal, open, diverse and creative

We are MODERN – clean, simple, eco-friendly and natural

We are SPIRITED – unique, unexpected, dynamic and uncommon

We are HONEST – authentic, lasting, conscientious and reliable

We have always been proponents of gender equality and support this position in our core principles and daily actions.

Women Must Achieve True Equality

In our business, as in our lives, we celebrate equality for women and work to a build fair, equitable and inclusive organization that allows our community members to thrive. Gender equality is a cornerstone of this belief – equal pay for equal work, an end to gender discrimination and sexual harassment, affordable reproductive healthcare, educational equity, an end to gender-based violence.

Actions are Stronger Than Words

To show our solidarity (and put words into action), we are donating 20% of our sales for the next 7 days (8/26-9/1) to Equality Now, with the mission to achieve legal and systemic change that addresses violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. Equality Now works to create a just world where women and girls have the same rights as men and boys. They tackle the most difficult issues, challenging ingrained cultural assumptions and calling out inequality wherever we see it. And they use the power of the law to create enduring equality for women and girls everywhere.

What Can You Do?

Thank the women in your life for their courage, hard work, support, love and the continued fight for equality.

Donate time and money  to causes that support gender equality. Click to find links to 25 organizations here.

Support female-owned businesses  through your purchase of products and services. Here is a list of women-owned businesses by industry.

Register to vote and get out to vote for candidates that stand behind equality.

So much work has been done by courageous women, and so much is left to do by society as a whole to truly achieve equality.

#acdcco #acdccandles #acdccandleco #womensequalityday #womensequality #equality #womensrights #genderequality #equalityforall #equalitymatters #equalitynow #equality #genderequality #womenempowerment #femaleempowerment #feminism #womenandgirls #equalityanddiversity #womenrights #equalityforeveryone #menforwomen #menforfeminism #smallbusiness #smallbusiness #localbusiness

Going Away? Staying at Home? School Days or a School Daze?

We see the news. Are you going away or coming back home?

It’s so crazy. #pandemic

You just got back to school and now have to leave again.

The new normal is not knowing what’s happening until it happens. And then rolling with it. Again and again and again.

Back to Campus, Really?

Whether you’re off to college or learning from your parents' house, here are some fragrance es-scent-ials for your (dorm or home) room:

Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser – what better way to chill than with your favorite ACDC fragrance set on autopilot. Just add a couple of drops of fragrance oil to water, set the timer and you’re golden!

Linen Mists – Pillow and linen sprays double as quick, non-aerosol air fresheners. For an instant room refresh spray on rugs, bed linens, curtains or pillowcases. Spritz around a dorm or apartment to remove odors from workouts, pets, food prep (or just not leaving your room). Spring cleaning is a spray away using fresh fragrances derived directly from natural flowers and plants!

Bath Bombs – Bath fizzers are made from natural ingredients including Epsom salt, baking soda and essential oils. The aromas are amazing, and they leave your skin feeling silky-smooth. Don’t have a bathtub? Break one ball into 3-4 pieces and place a piece near the shower drain. The water from the shower will release the fragrance to create a spa-like atmosphere on the go.

New Apartment Therapy

Hopefully your roommates are super-neat, super-organized and super-quiet, but if they’re not, here are a few ideas:

App, App & Away – Pop in the earbuds and get into a mindful Headspace, Calm, Happify or OMvana session. To remove any anxiety, use a home fragrance oil and aromatherapy diffuser, which releases scented water vapor (and has auto-shut off) to fit your current mindspace.

Aromatherapy – Essential oil candles are made from our creamy soy wax, pure cotton wicks and natural essential oils for a bold release of fragrance and a clean, controlled burn.

Kitchen & Bathroom Scents – Our Count Me In Candles come in seven ah-mah-zing fragrances like Ski Lodge, Citrus Delight, or Cozy Moments that will freshen up any trouble spot.

Regardless of the back to school situation, fragrance makes you feel better and makes any room much more welcoming!

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Creating a Relaxing Environment

The world is so stressful right now and we all need ways to wind down, relax and find peace.

With today being Relaxation Day, here are some tips for using aroma as a method to enhance calmness in your daily routine.

In aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oils are used to help reduce anxiety, relieve stress and fight depression. People use the scent to fight negative feelings, eliminate mental fatigue and to feel refreshed.

Lemongrass is thought to be stimulating and cleansing, uplifting and energizing. A grassy tropical plant, it is used primarily for cooking and herbal medicine, but the fragrance is used in perfumes, bath and spa products, and home fragrance. The oil is steam extracted, naturally derived from leaves and stalks. The steaming process releases an unmistakable refreshingly citrus scent creating both the oil and distilled fragranced water, which are collected and utilized as perfuming ingredients.

At ACDC Co., we call Lemongrass ‘Peace’ due to the calming and uplifting atmosphere it creates.

Adding Peace to a Daily Self-Care Routine

Whether winding down after a day’s work, or simply taking mindful steps to wellness, the aromatic fragrance of pure lemongrass is sure to provide a few moments of peace to the day.

Try these tips:

While you’re meditating or doing yoga, burn a Peace Lemongrass Essential Oil Candle to generate feelings of centeredness and calm.

To wind down for a good night’s sleep, try a spritz or two of Peace Lemongrass Luxury Linen Mist on your pillows or bed linens right before bedtime. The soothing scent promotes a dreamy calming atmosphere.

Try a deep soaking bath using a Lemongrass Bath Bomb. The essential oils and natural salts will re-mineralize your body, leaving you feeling silky smooth and totally soothed.

Give Relaxation

With all the events of 2020, it feels good to give good. Check out our assortment of essential oil fragrances and create a perfectly peaceful gift for any celebration – birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, weddings, special occasions or ‘just because’.

Creating Peace

To encourage more peace, for the next 48 hours we’re donating 20% of all purchases made to the Dallas Peace & Justice Center, which promotes a just and peaceful world through education, dialogue, reconciliation, advocacy and constructive action. “Our vision is that of a nonviolent world that works for all with justice and respect for the Earth, self and others...a world where our children and future generations can expect to live in a just and peaceful society based on connectedness and compassion. We believe in the power of peace and justice to create a sustainable world.”

#acdcco #acdccandleco #acdccandles #relaxationday #relax #relaxation #peace #lemongrass #essentialoils #essentialoil #aromatherapy #lemongrassessentialoil #diffuser #handmade #healthylifestyle #teamlemongrass #meditation #loveyourself #positivevibes #peaceful #lemongrassoil #bathbomb #bathbombs #bathtime #bathbombsarelife #relaxing #aromatherapycandle #aromatherapy #soycandles #aromatherapycandles #scentedcandles #soywax #scentedcandle #soycandle #candlelove #dreamtime

Fragrance Perception and Mood

Smells evoke strong emotional responses via our experiences, which in turn, effect our moods. In a very basic sense, pleasant fragrances improve mood and well-being, and unpleasant odors create negative mood responses. Studies have shown that even the mention of a positive smell can increase positive moods – making us more cheerful and optimistic.

Happy in Six Scents

Happiness is in the nose of the beholder! These six fragrances are commonly believed to be the world’s most happy aromas – the scents most connected to positive associations and moods.

• 
  Citrus (Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot, Lime) – citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, lime) are thought of as feel-good, mood lifting, and energy boosting. Citrus scents promote mental alertness, enhancing positivity and confidence. HAPPY TIP: Our Joy Orange Aromatherapy Candles and Grapefruit Bath Bombs are filled with citrus essential oils.
• Jasmine – flowers, particularly aromatic jasmine, bring joyful thoughts from happy occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and parties. They’re believed to evoke optimism, freshness and create an energizing mood and mindset. HAPPY TIP: Our Citrus Delight Scented Soy Candles and No 23 Grapefruit Jasmine Diffuser Oils contain a high concentration of jasmine (blended with citrus).
• Vanilla – the scent of vanilla beans is most frequently associated with relaxation. In aromatherapy, vanilla promotes soothing feelings of being nurtured – warmth and happiness and an inviting atmosphere. HAPPY TIP: Our No 7 Vanilla Leather Luxury Candle is a customer favorite to achieve that joyful feeling.
• 
  Mint – this favorite garden herb is believed to be a mood stimulant, providing an invigorated and clear mental state. In turn, this promotes better concentration, feelings of revitalization, refreshment and positive energy. HAPPY TIP: Our No 70 Basil Mint Leaf Diffuser Oil has the bright, uplifting aroma of mint in every drop.
• Lavender – wonderful lavender is used in aromatherapy to improve mood, soothe stress and increase feelings of joyfulness. It is considered to be calming and relaxing, helping to enhance senses of low-anxiety and optimism. HAPPY TIP: Our Lavender Dream Linen Mist lets you spritz the pure essence of lavender anywhere and anytime.
• Pine – the Japanese reduce stress and anxiety though the mindful practice of ‘forest bathing’. This isn’t a bath in nature, but a walk through nature, soaking in the sights, smells, sounds and touch of trees. The scent of pine is believed to have a clarifying, uplifting, and invigorating effect, clearing the mind’s stresses, energizing the body and promoting a positive outlook. HAPPY TIP: Our No 25 Evergreen Citrus Luxury Soy Candles use fresh pine and citrus scents for an uplifting, festive atmosphere.

Whatever your mood today, there is always room for a little extra joy. Sit back, breathe in, and find your happy place. Happy Happiness Happens Day everyone!

#acdcco #acdccandleco #acdccandles #happinesshappens #happinesshappensday #joyorange #happiness #happy #smile #positivevibes #positivity #mindset #goodvibes #mindfulness #joyful #joy #joyinthejourney #aromatherapy #essentialoils #essentialoil  #wellness #diffuser #handmade #scentedcandles #soycandles #smallbusiness #homefragrance #candles #soywax #supportsmallbusiness #homescents #candle #candlelover #handpoured #candleaddict #shopsmall #giftideas #aromatherapydiffuser #lavenderlover #lavenderlove #happyorange #

Throughout our lives, friendships evolve with time and distance, events and milestones. Friendship comes in many different forms. Some are developed when we’re very young, starting with school and growing over time. Some come from work relationships and grow beyond work into lifelong friendships. Some get seasoned with age, becoming sweeter, saucier, or spicier. Hopefully we all have these special friends that we hold tightly for life.

We’ve had the blessings of all types of friends. Our childhood friends have grown up with us. Our customers became our friends over time. We put differences aside and encouraged past frenemies to became new besties. Friends come in all ages, from different interests, races, genders, religions, or political affiliations. We explore the world together and share our experiences and life lessons. With each new friend, we expand our views of the world and explore new experiences through each others’ eyes.

Thoughtfulness and Love

Friends are always thinking about each other, which is shown in so many ways. One way is to surprise a friend with a call, text, PM or post. Maybe send a card or gift to just say “I’m thinking of you.” The little things we do enrich our friendships with thoughtfulness and love.

Friends come and go, while new friends find places in our life experiences. Over the years, the human race has developed tools and technology to help each of us connect with one other and convey simple thoughts of kindness.

Friends Giving to Friends

Gifting is a special way to convey what friendship means. There are many occasions for gifting – special date, holidays, gracious hosting or being a good guest, good news (and sometimes bad news), and milestones. For us, the best gifts come out of the blue – no special moment needed. They come from positive thoughts, love, and yes, friendship.

Scent is Memorable

Of all our senses, scent has the strongest tie to memory. Scent transports us and takes us on journeys to the past, to special places and to memorable occasions. With this in mind, the ACDC Co team has developed new ideas, packaging and pricing to make gift giving a little more affordable and thoughtful. Our scented candles, home fragrances, linen mists and bath bombs can be combined in endless ways to make great fragranced gift ideas for any occasion. We’re always available for curation and collaboration to create a special gift for any friend in your life.

We are excited to announce more new products will be coming very soon.

Appreciation and Happiness

 We appreciate you and your friendship and thank you for giving us a chance to rise to every occasion and create a smile through our small business.

Happy Friendship Day from ACDC Co!

#acdcco #acdccandles #aestheticcontent #creativernacular #yourscent #happyfriendshipday #friendshipday #friendship #friends #friendships #love #friendshipgift #friendforever #friendshipcircle #giftideas #gift #personalizedgifts #customizedgifts #friendgifts #scentedgifts #luxurycandles #scentedcandles #supportsmallbusiness #handmadewithlove #handmadegifts #smallbusiness #ilovecandles #handmadecandles #soycandlesburnbetter #handpouredcandles #candlegift #candlelover #candleaddict #luxurygifts #soywaxcandles #beautifulcandles #gifts #candlegifts #giftboxedcandles #luxurydiffusers #candles #candlelovers #soywax #luxuryscents

Wicks help our candles glow, setting the mood in a dimly lit room while dispersing fragrance into the air. Wicks deliver fuel to the flame by pulling the melted wax up from the candle. There are hundreds of different types and sizes of wicks that can be used. It can be mind boggling…

Wicks Control the Candles

It is always important to choose an appropriate type and size of wick for a candle. Multiple factors go into picking the perfect wick. First, the wax type – different waxes need different wicks. Second, the size and shape of the container. Smaller sizes require a thinner wick and larger sizes may require multiple wicks. Third, the color and fragrance used have an impact on your wick construction, size and treatment. Scared yet? Don’t be. Without the proper wick, nothing matters.

Any reputable candle manufacturer will take extreme care in choosing a wick that’s the appropriate size, shape and material to meet all the proper burn requirements for a particular candle formula.

We personally test multiple types of wicks to determine what is going to give us the best results in our hand poured soy wax candles. Sometimes you’re lucky and wick selection is achieved quickly. Other times, it takes weeks of trial, testing, error and do-overs to get the perfect flame height, burn time and cleanliness. Don’t give up, the journey is worth it!

Pick the Right Wick

Picking the wrong size or type of wick can cause a candle flame to flare or put out smoke and soot because too much fuel (wax) is being used too quickly. On the flip side, using a too-small wick will not pull up melted wax fast enough, causing your flame to extinguish itself mid-burn (which is a bummer.)

Once you have determined the size of the candle, the amount of fragrance, and the shape of your vessel, the fun part begins.

From experience, we select a few wicks from our library that we think will work. We’ll do a burn test on 5 to 6 types of wicks per fragrance until we get it right. We want a good quality burn, which is clean from soot, smoke and blooming, full use of the wax, controlled flame height, and a long burn time.

Remember that not all fragrances will be successful with the wick you may have used on a previous fragrance. So, don’t get lazy – stay with the testing until it burns perfectly.

It sounds like a lot of work, and it is, however the payoff is euphoric. The last thing you want is the candle to burn dirty or fizzle out before you or someone else has even had a chance to enjoy it.

Which Wick?

Wicks come in several types: wooden, square, flat, corded and specialty.

We have customers that ask about wooden wicks because they LOVE the look and sound. In my opinion, the aesthetic is nice but the burn is underwhelming. And the debris muddies the wax pool giving the candle a sloppy look.

Our wick of choice is a natural cotton, lead-free wick. Which one you ask? Remember that all depends on multiple factors for each candle and fragrance.

Once we have done all of our burn testing and are satisfied with the results, it is time to produce, package and sell for someone to enjoy.

Tips for Candle Care

Another thing I would to touch on is the proper care and maintenance of the final product. If you’re like me, I enjoy a good candle to help ease a stressful day or just enhance the mood in a particular room. I also savor the ritual of unboxing a candle and placing it somewhere prominent to be enjoyed.

Tip 1:  Make sure you trim the wick to 1/4 inch each time before burning.  Have you ever had a favorite candle just burn down the middle, leaving you frustrated or disappointed? Listen up!

Tip 2: (This is IMPORTANT!) The first burn of your candle is the most critical! It should be kept burning long enough to create a melt pool that extends to the edges of the glass container. This rule of thumb should be used for ANY container candle. Always remember, wax has a memory, any time less than stated may result in the candle 'tunneling' or burning down the center, resulting in unused wax which is wasteful and expensive.

Tip 3: Don’t burn too long. Our filled-glass candles are designed to burn no more than 2-3 hours at a time. This burn time should be adequate for achieving the desired melt pool.

Tip 4:  Trim the wick before, after (and sometimes during) a burn. If your wick starts to smoke, it may be necessary to extinguish the candle and trim the wick again. You may also notice some wicks look like they have a mushroom on the end. This is called a bloom and should be removed.

Tip 5:  Your wax pool should be kept clear of any wick trimmings, matches or any other debris at all times to provide a safe and clean experience.

Tip 6: Don’t blow or wet out. To extinguish the candle, use a candle snuffer or lid to prevent hot wax from splattering. Never use water to extinguish your candle. There are several candle care tools available. I highly recommend using them. 

Finding the right wick will always be satisfying when you see the fruits of your labor - your perfectly burning candle. Remember, don’t take shortcuts, follow all the safety guidelines (and the science) that goes into producing something that brings joy. Happy wicking!

Visit our Candle Care and Use page for more information.

#acdcco #acdccandles #aestheticcontent #creativernacular #candlecare #candleburning #candles #candletips #candletip #candleburning #candleaddict #candlelover #candlelovers #candleobsessed #lovecandles #candlelight #soywaxcandles #candlelover #scentedcandles #soycandles #candlemaker #cleanburningcandles #candlemaker #candle  #themoreyouknow #goodtoknow

Do basil and mint go together? Yes. Yes they do!

Basil is actually part of the mint family, so it makes sense that basil & mint pair well together. As a matter of fact, the majority of the finest culinary herbs are in the mint family. This would include basil, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, anise hyssop, and sweet marjoram.

The basil leaf is generally oval-shaped and usually 2 to 3 inches in length. They tend to be yellow-green to dark green in color, whereas mint leaves are much more narrow and lighter in hue.

Fresh basil is also known to be good for digestion, aids in fighting depression, promotes a healthy gut, and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, and iron.

Natural mint is a calming herb that people have used throughout the ages to help soothe an upset stomach or help with indigestion. It, too, is an anti-inflammatory. As an essential oil, it has a cooling, refreshing effect and is widely believed to enhance mental alertness.

We like mixing and matching different flavors and smells to create something new or familiar. What better than a basil and mint cocktail? We recently came across this refreshing summer non-alcoholic Lemon Basil Mint Spritzer that perfectly combines the amazing flavors of lemon, fresh herbs and ginger.

This thirst quencher hits the spot in our hot Texas heat. Check out @walkingonsunshine for the complete recipe for this cool and invigorating summer splash of goodness.

With all this talk of basil and mint, we decided to formulate a home fragrance oil that could double as an aromatherapy diffuser oil and soy candle. The result is No. 70 room fragrance that can be added to any ultrasonic or electric diffuser. Mix a few drops of the oil into a diffuser that has already been filled with water, transporting you into the garden with aromas of fresh herbs, without ever getting your hands dirty.

We're currently testing this oil with our soy based candles - coming soon! We put a Summertime fresh herb garden in a bottle and its called No. 70.

#homescents #homefragrance #fragrance #diffuser #scents #ultrasonicdiffuser #fragrances #aromatherapy #diffuserultrasonic #roomfragrance #diffuseraromatherapy #diffuserandoils #aromadiffuser #fragrancediffuser #scentdiffuser #roomambience #scentmachine #aroma #oildiffuser #fragranceoil #aromaoil #smellsamazing #smellsgood #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmall #handmade

We are always inspired by the beauty that is around us. It can be nature, travel, or just a person you pass on the street. In the quest for new ideas and expanding on some from the past, we took a journey to the South of France a few years ago.

After our train ride to Provence we rented a car, and explored the sights and towns along the way experiencing the amazing food, culture and the spirit of every person we encountered. The trip did not disappoint.

One of our bases was located in the quaint town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.  After several days of exploring, we awoke before dawn, piling into the car half-asleep. Off we went to discover our new adventure for the day.

Three hours later in Roussillon, eyes half closed, we rounded the bend and there it was, an enormous beautiful hot air balloon. Eyes fully opened with anticipation, one by one we climbed into the basket. As gentle as a feather, up, up and away we went. Gracefully lifting into the morning sky with the sun slowly peeking over the horizon, a dynamic patchwork of purple blanketed the ground below. Once safely back on the ground, we enjoyed a stroll into the town of Sault, the birthplace of lavender.

From the moment that soothing aroma hit our noses, we were reminded how much we love (and are inspired by) the scent.  Lavender is, and will always be, a staple in our home and in ACDC products.

Lavender is more than just a fragrant plant, this herb is also commonly used for therapeutic benefits. In ancient times, lavender was thought to be a holy herb, often used to freshen up and give a light scent to a variety of personal items, such as clothes and hair. (We still do this today.)

Everyday stresses can take a toll on mental health and well-being. There’s plenty of research that suggests lavender has positive effects on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown lavender essential oil may help promote sleep and fight insomnia. Did you know that Lavender may act as a natural bug repellent, keeping away a variety of insects, like flies, mosquitoes, and moths?

Take a little time each day to remind yourself that you are worthy of peace and serenity. Personally, I think in today’s climate we can all use a little lavender aromatherapy to rejuvenate, relax and energize our minds, bodies, and souls.

Explore our line of lavender fragrances here.

#lavender #lavenderlover #lavenderfragrance #lavenderscent #lavenderfields #loveoflavender #lavenderlove #provence #wellbeing #healthyherbs #relax #soothing #saultfrance #roussillonfrance #lavenderflowers #lavenderfield #lavenderoil #bathbomb #lislesurlasourguefrance #travel #inspiredjourney #peaceful #mindbodysoul #relaxing

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The trees, mainly found around the Mediterranean in Italy and Southern France, produce white blossoms in Springtime. It takes one ton of flowers to produce one quart of oil, making it one of the most expensive and treasured essential oils.

First popularized by Marie Orsini, the princess of Nerola, Italy during the 17th century, to scent her gloves and bath water. As it grew in popularity, the scent became so widespread that people referred to it as neroli, a blend of the names of its home base and founder.

In aromatherapy circles, it is thought to be both calming and uplifting, used by some to combat anxiety and depression.

To us, it's a bright and happy fragrance, whether standing alone or mixed with fresh basil leaves and white musk in our No. 63 candle and home fragrance oil. Explore the whole neroli family here.

#neroli #floralfragrance #fragrancelove #scentedcandles #soycandle #candles #soywax #floralscent #scentoftheday #homescents #homefragrance #fragrance #diffuser #scents #ultrasonicdiffuser #fragrances #aromatherapy #diffuserultrasonic #roomfragrance #diffuseraromatherapy #diffuserandoils #aromadiffuser #fragrancediffuser #scentdiffuser #roomambience #scentmachine #aroma #oildiffuser #fragranceoil #aromaoil #smellsamazing #smellsgood #summerscent #myhappyhome #handmade #candle #homeaccessories #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmall #handmade #madeintexas #handmade #texas #texasmade #handcrafted #naturalscents #madeinusa #madeintheusa #waxaddicts

We start off with ideas - some of them kind of weird, some of them kind of unexpected, some of them kind of beautiful, some of them kind of nostalgic. We review trends in fragrance, fashion, home design and food. We experience scent when we travel, when we shop, when we interact with others or walk the dogs. We study our competition. We listen to our customers.

We think flowers: jasmine, peony, honeysuckle, lily.

We think herbs: sage, basil, rosemary, lavender.

We think fruit: black fig, apple, plum, grapefruit.

We think memories: leather, ocean breezes, rainstorms, baking.

We think spices: cinnamon, vanilla, star anise, pepper.

We think plants: bamboo, cedar wood, mahogany, oak.

We think exotic: patchouli, sandalwood, ginger, rosewood.

Then we mix and blend essential oils and perfume oils, adding and removing and breathing it all in. Most of the blends don't work at all - too strong, too weak, not enough of anything, too much of something.

But some of them do work, and that is the magic, the alchemy of scent. Each scent evokes memory, is personal, is transporting.  And creates the 'wow' moment - when you say "this is it" - and we add it to the line.

#acdcco #acdccandles #aestheticcontent 

A special shout out to our customer Bambi for giving us great feedback on a recent shipment.

When we mess up (and we sometimes do) we hear about it, but we don't often hear from the many customers who buy from our website from day to day. We put equal care into every customer's package and *hope* they love the items when they arrive. In this case, we are so happy the customer received modern gifts worth giving.

Racial Equality. Civil Rights. The Vietnam War. The Peace Movement. Women's Rights. Gender Equality. Social Unrest. The Environment. Financial Equality. All started at the grassroots and quickly became intertwined with musicians and artists, new forms of media, advocates and adversaries who fueled the passion, and gave voices to the struggles.

Today, much of the same symbology continues to represent both old and new sources of frustration, some evolving to represent a greater struggle or group of people. In the 1960's and 1970's artists and designers crafted iconic messages that impacted the narrative, engaged a conversation and inspired additional actions. The evolution of this continues with street art and design taking a prominent place in the physical and online worlds - the media and the message intertwined together.

Peace, Brother

The peace symbol was created in England to protest nuclear armament and nuclear war and quickly spread to the US as a symbol against the war in Vietnam. In it's purest form, it's a graphic representation of the semaphore system which uses a signalman with flags to convey information from long distances. The upside down 'V' shape is semaphore for the letter 'N' standing for 'Nuclear', and the upward stroke is semaphore for the letter 'D' standing for 'Disarmament'. Stacked on top of one another and wrapped in a circle, this universal message came to symbolize peace for a generations protesting war, nuclear weapons and armaments.

Power to the People

During the same era, the raised fist was born from the 'Black Power' movement, drawing attention to racial tensions, desegregation and the struggle for equal rights in the United States. As a powerful symbol of strength & unity it has come to represent the solidarity of people from all backgrounds coming together against oppression, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism and segregation. No less important today than it was 60 years ago, it sends a compelling and enduring message of defiance through it's visual symbolism.

 Freedom, NOW

When women join together in a common cause, the power is undeniable. And women's liberation was just one of the many causes for which females have been fighting for generations, and sadly still today. Decades of struggling for equality in the workplace, in government, for compensation for equal work, for healthcare rights and education. In a political climate with politicians bragging about abusing women and the cruelty of social media, there is no better time for another creative force to emerge through the Women's March on Washington, which is spreading into a singular global women's movement.

About a year ago, we started a blog for all the wrong reasons. Sometimes you convince yourself of the need to do things...because all the articles said we needed a blog for SEO, because it would be a good platform for PR, because it will help our small business get 'found' by customers. None of these things happened, but what did happen was a struggle to find a voice, a daily effort to have something authentic to say. As the author, my head was in the game, but my heart was not in it at all.

Thankfully, a few months ago, our website provider recommended a security update, taking our SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate to a more secure connection between web browsers and our server. This was technically out of my wheelhouse, but knew it had to be done, so spent a Sunday doing the upgrade. After a couple of failed attempts, the system said there were several web pages that needed to be deleted. One by one, I deleted them, each one being a blog post, page after page of my disingenuous blog. I'd like to say it was sad, but it really was a relief - bye bye dreaded postings. Goodbye and good riddance to the wrong kind of thinking.

So here we are again. But this time with an idea, with inspiration, and a voice that's ready to be heard. This time about imagination, influencers and creativity. This time celebrating art, fragrance, design, science, craft and nature and the shared language of creative appreciation. Each week, we'll choose a idea and look at it through a series of lenses. By following my heart, I hope it will inspire others to find their voices and start a conversation.