LOCAL MAKER INTERVIEW
BIG WHITE YETI
Katie Daly and Cody Weiss, the founders
and owners of Big White Yeti - candles
which are 100% soy and hand-poured in
the Bay View neighborhood in Milwaukee.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR? WHY CANDLES?
I’ve always had a spirit to make things, and to create things. Ever since I was little I was starting
my own businesses. I’ve been a corporate trainer and instructional designer for years and while I
love creating things for the companies I work for, I was really looking for a personal creative outlet.
Once day in 2012, I found a recipe for soy candles on Pinterest and thought I would try it. And, it
worked- I made an actual candle! I started to research for where I could buy better wax , better
wicks, and better quality fragrance and essential oils. I have always loved Etsy, so it was a very
logical extension to expand my new business onto that website as an outlet to sell my products.
Within a week we made our first sale, all the way from someone who lived in Texas! As for why
candles, I’ve always loved something that affects the mood and ambiance of a room. Different
scented candles and can dictate how a room will feel, and I love being able to make my space
cozy and comfortable.
WHERE CAN WISCONSINITES SHOP TO BUY A BIG WHITE YETI?
Locally, we are at Hometown Established - A Shop, Sparrow Collective, Beans & Barley, Salon Thor,
Nourish Spa, Core Essence Yoga, Healium Wellness, Lumos Wellness, Nourish Massage, Bodywork
and Skin Therapies. In Appleton, we are at Blue Moon Emporium, and in Neenah, we sell at The
Fine Fox. Also, this fall we will vending at Hover Craft, a local event that supports established and
emerging artists and makers on December 13 at the Pritzlaff building in Milwaukee!
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE SCENT?
Katie- For me, its Yeti’s Breath. The sent is very nostalgic for me, and it was one of the first candles
we ever made. It’s earthy and natural, and in my mind that is what a yeti’s breath would smell like.
Cody- Woodland Elves. It reminds me of the seasons, and anticipating the holidays.
READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW ON OUR BLOG: THINKLOCALWI.COM/BLOG
Interviewed By: THINKlocal Ambassador Ali Daly ([email protected])
28 E Sumner St - Hartford, WI
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