If you were like me, you debated about whether to put forth the time and effort to attend the 1st Annual Chandlers' Guild Continental Congress. Would it be worthwhile? Would anything really get accomplished? Should I just focus on making/selling candles? Will I really learn anything?
Well, I'm here to tell you - if you weren't there, you missed out on two SOLID days of hard work, idea sharing, networking, support, technical information, camaraderie, fun, entertainment, awesome food, hospitality, idea sharing, enthusiasm, inspiration, and a real appreciation of the level of expertise, creativity and character that are present in our members.
I drove 5 hours to Cedar Rapids and arrived after 6pm on Friday. I was grungy and tired and debated about whether to go to the social gathering. But, I showered and went. I came back to the hotel already satisfied that my trek had been worthwhile because of the people I met that night. There was an energy that permeated the room from proud entrepeneurs who were willing and eager to share their experiences. Some had been making candles for decades while others, such as myself, had been at it for less than a year. We shared stories and found comfort in the fact that other candlemakers have experienced the same challenges that we have - and there was a free exchange of information to help each other. There was music and candlelight and great conversation. We were all treated to the gracious hospitality of Mike and Lynette Richards who once again opened the gallery space beneath their home to us and welcomed us with smiles and open arms. I got back to my room fairly early because I thought I was exhausted from the drive, but couldn't get to sleep until after 2am because I was so excited about the people involved in our group.
The next day, we met in the community arts gallery (I apologize that I don't have the official name of this facility) who accepted a donation from the Village Chandlers' Guild in exchange for us using their space for 2 very full days. We displayed our work and were all inspired and amazed at the beautiful work our fellow members had created. It was a day of nonstop information from our industry expert guests and of networking and discussion with other members about what we hoped would be accomplished by our coming together. I went to bed after midnight after some lively discussion in the hotel lounge with some other guildmembers about what we wanted the guild to be and the art of candlemaking and pricing.
On Sunday, I went to the meeting hoping that we would have a chance to talk, not just be "talked TO". There were things that were on my mind and other guildmembers' minds that needed to be sorted out. I feared we would not have a chance to have hard-core discussion from the masses on issues that were important to all of us and to the future of the guild. I was wrong. I had a tinge of worry when we were told the agenda had been shortened because so many people had to start heading home. However, we had an inspirational presentation from Timlynn of Sodohojo/Big Sky Chandler, then she asked if anyone had anything they wanted to share with the group. That's all it took. This group of leaders and action takers STOOD IN LINE to have their say. We spoke frankly about what we envisioned and what needed to be done to make the guild a value-added association for all of us. I was satisfied that I could go home confident that this guild is headed for greatness. I would be able to hit the road by 1:30 pm and be home in time for dinner. Wrong again. The meeting ended in a timely fashion with a sense of accomplishment and vision. However, there were so many people to visit with and share with and loose ends to tie up. And there were a lot of people I now consider friends that I didn't really want to say goodbye to. I hit the road by 4:30pm.
If this seems like a touchy-feeley version of what went on, that's because it is. I want to convey that a huge part of the success of this weekend was the energy that we all brought to the congress. The other reason is that there are such important issues that we have at task that we will be developing an area of the site available only to the members as we map our future.
I will tell you this... the Table of Twelve is comprised of some awesome talent, organization, ideas, leadership and enthusiasm. They will serve us well and I encourage you to communicate your ideas and provide your support to them. Also, we have formed some special interest groups (SIGs) that will be powerful in bringing much value to being a member of our guild. I am also pretty confident in predicting that more SIGs will be added fairly quickly as we realize our potential and define our needs.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for this group.... If you weren't there, I encourage you to get involved as this develops. I'm sure you have ideas and talents to help us make this a very powerful guild. I admit that I wasn't sure about it before, but I KNOW now that we have come together to make this something that we can all be proud to be a part of.
As for the details of the weekend - well, I'll let you hear some things from some other peoples' perspective. However, I think you should know you missed Brian and Terry who traveled from West Virginia to Iowa on their beautiful Honda motorcycle to show us their inspirational candles and contribute a major effort to help build this guild. There are so many more stories to tell.... I'll save some for others to share...
Susan Andersen
Cottage Chandler Candle Co.
Andertoe@Direcway.com