Market Monday
Join us every Monday as we get to know the vendors from The Market: A Journey to Joy
This week we want to introduce you all to…
Smith Family Olde Country Market
Check them out on Facebook!
When did you open your business?
It all started in 1993 when I was pregnant with my oldest child. I combined my Dad’s homemade carmex recipe and my Grandma’s old-fashioned healing salve recipe and added my own personal touch to make a “belly balm”. Originally, I simply wanted to avoid some stretchmarks, but I really loved the way it made my skin look and feel, and I quickly realized it could be a “home remedy” for several other purposes. So I started packaging them in small 4oz. jelly jars, topped them with a square piece of fabric, tied a ribbon around them and gave them as “gifts” to family, friends and neighbors. {This is the main reason why I top our mason jar candles the way that I do, it is an ode to the way I packaged our first product.} Well, it wasn’t long before people started asking to “buy” my salve. To this day, I still use the same recipe, it is now known as our, “Multi-Purpose Salve”. So a few years later in 1996 when I was pregnant with my second child, I began making my own candles and bath & body products and a few years later after baby #3, as a newly single mom, I started selling my products to help bring in some extra income. Fast forward another 8 years, I met my husband Bill, and now my dream has become “our dream”.
What is your business all about?
Our business is ALL ABOUT FAMILY. We are a husband & wife team….however our kids and our oldest granddaughter {who will turn 7 next month} also like to help us make & sell our products as well. I have been a Chandler for 23 years and I have taught my husband the fine art of making candles as well. We make rustic old fashioned hand-poured 100% soy wax mason jar candles & melts without dyes or whitening chemicals. We make Vegan-Friendly Bath & Body products, {i.e. lotions, body butters, room/body sprays, lip balms, multi-purpose salve, multi-purpose cream, Natural Man Pomade, Mommy & Baby Balm, body scrubs, etc.} also without dyes or whitening chemicals. We sell flavored coffees & teas {and accessories} as well as Farmhouse-style home decor, pillows, blankets, wall art, etc.
What is one thing you want to make sure locals know about your business?
We enjoy making great-quality products and selling them at affordable prices. My favorite thing about what I do is making people happy with our products.
What is your favorite part about being a part of The Market?
First, when I was a little girl, I loved when we would drive past the Scottish Rite Cathedral. I thought it was a Princess Castle. That building has been closed to the general public for most of my life. The first time I got to go inside was when our Church {Moline Gospel Temple} started hosting their Christmas play there. {The Gospel According to Scrooge} It wasn’t anything like I expected inside….lol….but it is still a very magical building for me. So I am delighted that I get to sell my products at my beloved castle. Second, I absolutely LOVE being a part of THE Market “Family”. I have never been surrounded by so many uplifting, positive and encouraging people who truly want to see you succeed and help you succeed. I have never been a part of anything so POSITIVE before.
What is your favorite part about being located in the Quad Cities?
We primarily sell our products up north in Elizabeth, IL & Galena, IL. {as well as several larger hand-crafter events throughout the year} For the last few years, we have been searching for a location to sell our products here in the QC for our local family, friends & customers. So THE Market is truly an answer to our prayers.
Who are the individuals who will benefit most from your products/services?
Anyone who enjoys handmade bath & body products without all of the harsh chemicals. People with sensitive skin. {*we also make a whole line of unscented bath & body products as well} We also enjoy buying/selling “family inspired” home decor {for all ages} for those who love the “farmhouse-style” just as much as we do.
Stay tuned for next week’s Market Monday where we continue to get to know more vendors at The Market: A Journey to Joy!
