Texas Rose

I agree with So Soy. There is such as thing as slander. Be careful what you say, you could have a legal action suit against you. http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?p=61005 http://www.expertlaw.com

I can't say enough thank you's for those who have been supportive and understanding. This situation has brought me to tears in alot of respects, affected my marriage, and created havoc in our lifestyle. I know that I have worked hard to keep my life on the straight and narrow, admit my mistakes when I make them, and do unto others as I would hope they would do unto me. It's not that I don't want to talk about the details as to what is happening, it's just that I don't have the power to do anything about "IT", in spite of how I'm affected by it...it's as if I/we are almost being a victim of someone's deceit. I'm just trying to muddle through the situation and talk to the person who is directly involved so that that person can have the courage to take some action and/or make a decision. All in all, the whole situation has been a major letdown for this person as well. And I can't give that person the confidence they need to get through this..I can only pray for the strength to deal with it. Either way I look at it - something will change eventually - cause it can't continue in the manner that it is going. I'm not so much 'hateful' about it, as sad and disappointed. But bad things do happen to good people. And doing the right thing won't always mean that others will do right as well. There are many folks I have met over the years who claim that they are one thing, and then show themselves to be another. In this case, it comes unforseen, tho' in another way, I should not be surprised. I just didn't think this person would take that kind of chance to do someone wrong. I just want to say thank you for your insights, comments whether good or bad, it's the way of life and worth understanding how others feel, with the limited information I was able to convey. I hope I can still approach things with some courage in spite of the ways things may go on this end. If all we lose is money, then so be it. At least I will not lose any sleep at night for doing something bad against another human being. I don't think I could even live with myself if I did, without showing some reconciliation. I would rather have a partner who believes in something right and suffer the loss - then to acquiesce to someone else's bad manners and business practices. I remain humbled by your contributions. from a fellow candlemaker... Texas Rose

Yes, you are so right...I apologize...I am so upset over what has been happening on my end, that I wasn't thinking long enough to wait and see how others would respond. It was my bad judgement that caused me to say it in 'that' manner. Actually, I wish I could tell you what has been happening. But it strikes to close to home in the candle community, that I would be jeopardizing someone's welfare . But I had to hear from others - to see if there is an importance to some kind of honesty in this world. I know I can't expect people to jump up on the wagon, and take sides. I will have to see what I can do from a legal end to help this person along. Or either, just let it go. It's hard to have to sit back and watch what is happening, and yes, I am affected by a particular someone, and their actions in the matter. This situation affects the financial stablity of my family. Especially since it is from someone that was suppose to be trustworthy. I do appreciate the advice from the person who recommended going to get some 'legal' advice... This may be our only recourse. I wish I could say more...and I didn't do this to get a rise out of anyone. I'm just trying to figure out what to do in the meantime.

And for the most part, my question doesn't have to do with customer service. It truly has to do with HOW a person runs their business. You can have good people working for you... But IF a person is ethically crooked - how would you deal with it?

I believe that what goes around comes around. If a person is less than honest in their dealings with others, then they will be handed the same treatment - eventually. I believe that a Man is only as good as His Word. If you promise 'something' - you should keep it. Otherwise, people will not honor you, or trust you. You will be known to be deceitful. It erodes the quality of your life, You as a person, and kills off relationships - whether business or not. I believe that a person with a deceitful heart, will suffer physically and emotionally...do you remember the guy who was in the Enron scandle - died of a heart attack. I don't believe that was all an accident. Stress can kill ya! I believe that being open about your candle info is better than acting like you made it up yourself. After all, there is nothing new under the sun, that someone hasn't already figured out. Trying to hide something is a laugh. I don't think there is a person alive who hasn't tried to lie about something. How did that make you feel? Personally, when I lie about anything, I don't feel so good about who I am. People in general are no different. If you learn something from someone else, don't be afraid to give them the credit. It will keep you honest, and truthfully, people like that. If a person unknowingly makes a mistake - it's okay to say you're sorry. But a person who makes a mistake, and tries to cover it up, is as good as being a liar. I believe that businesses can cover up a lot of things that are less than perfect. It all comes down to your intentions. Lies never become just one - and if you are caught in one, it's very difficult to explain. Sort of like, two Wrongs will never make a Right. If you can't manage a business with a high degree of integrity - then IT will eventually become unmanageble...and eventually fail. And those that think they can get away with that - are only fooling themselves.

I actually thought more folks would respond to this question - I guess honesty and integrity is not a big issue in this business? If you knew a company was operating in a less than honest operation - would you want to know? SO - for all you folks who operate or own your own craft business... How important is it to have INTEGRITY? In fact, how many actually know what integrity means? I'm not talking just about being honest - I'm talking about keeping Your Word? About having the type of business that you can be proud of... I'm talking about making a commitment that no matter what, you will do what you said you will do. How about the way you treat people? Are you fair, considerate, or are you less than kind? Do you treat people the way you want to be treated? Or do you back stab them or say things 'under your breath', when no one is looking? How about your product....Do you really test when you say you do? Do you truly research your product, or do you steal other's ideas. Do you actually learn how to price your candles, or do you take what other's price their candle, and use it as your own? How about paying others back, do you PAy your vendors, employees, craft shows, etc., in a timely manner? Or do you wait for collections to knock at your door? Or wait till your employees are begging for their Wages? As a customer - If you knew a company was not being honest - would you still support that company? Does business ethics really mean anything in this day and age...? Or is it really a dog eat dog world? I'd like to know just how many people really think that having integrity in business actually means anything anymore... Thank you

Well, I'd like to join the band wagon on this one... cause it amazes me that ya'll will squable over who has the best, etc. When it all comes down to it - all these companies buy from manufacturers, and sometimes they buy from the same ones. It's just a matter of who can offer you the better price, or the higher concentration of fragrance in the oil. I've always been on the prowl for the best LILAC - now THAT's hard to find!!!! But I did, I just can't afford to buy 25lbs. I've tried scents from Pourette, Candlewic, Texas Candle Supply, Candles and Supplies, Steve's (in NY), Bittercreek...and no matter what, they all have different concentrations; and scents can vary because of it... and I've tried scents from the Manufacturers too...and that's another story. So, don't waste your time running around wondering/asking - BUY a sample, and move on:mad: if you don't like it. IF you find one you love - keep track of that one! And for the record - Most oils will last years if you keep it in a cool dark area, in brown bottles. HEAT & chemicals breaks down anything over time. Even Flourescent lightening will affect your fragrance oils. IF they affect your skin, you know it does a number of other things, right? And check to be sure YOUR candle supply place keeps their fragrances in a climate controlled place...not in some hot warehouse. WHAT YOU DON'T SEE can make a difference in your product. I have some good strong Essential oils for over 10 years, in dark brown bottles, that still work.. I don't use them for candles, heat makes anything change it's natural make-up. Common sense will tell you that....even with the bru-haha over soy wax... Texas Rose

Don't you know? It's probably one of the most tempermental hobbies to come along...fits my personality, I guess. I love making the dang things because it's fairly easy, and I yet, every time I cut my finger on a metal mold, or splash wax on my favorite pair of jeans, or spill dye on the floor, I wonder how I could have started such a messy HABIT! It's bad enough I'm that Sloppy when I eat! I got candles in the bathroom, kitchen, along the fireplace mantel, and stacked up in my garage. And I hate clutter. I've froze 'em, melted them with a 'torch', embedded them, cubed them, cracked them in the freezer, and stuck 'em outdoors in the middle of winter just to see WHAT would happen IF I DID. Kinda came up with some cool looks though. The sad part in all this is when I saw Candle Companies like Yankee, use the same ideas I thought I CREATED, and they're making more money them me, darnIT. For ambience...nah....if I want ambience, I grab my Honey, a bottle of wine, and we sit in front of the fireplace naked...Now THAT's Ambience...heheh Why do I love making candles? Because I can - and I can sell them, and hopefully make the Perfect Candle better than anyone else. HA! I said it - I was always thinking I could do better than the other person. And for the most part - I still think THAT WAY...hahahahaha You can't make a bad candle - just another new idea... Texas Rose

Just finished making over 180 votives for a Craft show in November - my reviews stand as follows: Bought these scents from www.TexasCandleSupply.net - Chipotle Cracked Pecan - very strong, scrumptious - AND I didn't need to use as much as I did (about 5 Tablespoons per 4 lbs/wax). I have a votive burning in my kitchen right now, and could smell it all the way to the second floor. Normally a Votive is good for scenting small areas only... Dusty Mexican Morning - I'd give it a thumbs up, though it wasn't what I expected...has a softness to it that is very appealing. I'm curious to know what colors a person would use with this fragrance? My opinion in the matter is ALWAYS get a sample before venturing into making candles. I once bought Garden Pavillion from "Candles and Supply Company" (up in Yankee land...) and it smelled great in the bottle, but I didn't like it when I burned it. Go figure... take care, ya'll Texas Rose