Des Moines Mom recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!
This summer we are thrilled to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
My name is Stacy Negrete and I own Oak Lane Candle Co. My husband and I had always planned on growing our family through adoption, and after a 3+ year adoption process, our oldest two kids, Saul (15) and Peruth (12) joined our family in 2017. Our littlest Rae joined our family in July of 2020 and she is the perfect anchor for us all.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?
As someone who has both toddlers and teens at home, I think the biggest challenge is as kids begin to grow and be more independent, we as moms are forced to let them be. I always try to remind myself that one of my jobs as their mom is to help them become an adult and ultimately leave our home. Of course this means letting them make mistakes (usually over and over) and ultimately learning from them.
It is such a joy to see them find themselves as they grow! From my 3-year-old to my 15-year-old, watching them become and grow into who they were meant to be is just such a joy and privilege!
When did you start Oak Lane Candle? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Our story started as an adoption fundraiser when my husband and I were adopting our two oldest kids, Saul and Peruth. After being in process for 2+ years, and multiple fundraisers, I felt a strong pull to try candle making as a way to raise money. After months of testing different candles, I was confident in the product I had. I really wanted people to buy (and re-buy) because it was a well-made candle, not just to support our fundraiser. I started an Etsy page in 2015 and was blown away by the support. Owning a business was never part of the plan for me, but doors continued to open and here we are today, almost 8 years later!
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
That’s a two-fer. I love being able to execute my creativity at the shop with candle scents, events, and even emails. I also love being able to control my schedule. With active kids, it’s so important to me to make sure I am there to support them. I love being able to schedule myself around their activities.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure because it feels like everything is up to me. I have learned to delegate to take things off my plate. I’m still a work in progress 🙂
What do you wish you knew when you started?
My candles (and me!) are not going to be for everyone…and that’s okay.
Quick Takes:
Favorite local restaurant: Aunt Maude’s
Best place to take kids: Their sporting events. Ok, joking (kind of). I love going to an outdoor concert with the gang.
Favorite summer activity: I love being outdoors. Camping, biking, kayaking are some favorites.
Do you have any hobbies? My friendships are super important to me, and at this stage in life, are kind of like a hobby I need to make time for. From girls’ trips to dinners, to hanging out after the kids go to bed, it’s important for me to stay connected.
How/where do you relax? I love to get away with my husband, whether we are having a day date, weekend away, or a full-on vacation. It feels restful and rejuvenating!
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? #cantsitstill
Connect with Oak Lane Candle Co.
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
