THINKlocal West Allis / Greenfield - Holiday 15' | Page 13

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. APPOINTMENTS & WALK INS WELCOME GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Stop by and visit us! 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 & B \