Name:  Angel Idowu (AI)

Company: Waxy Desires (www.waxydesires.Com)

Clients: One in particular I am excited about working with at this moment is Larenz Tate (you will soon be able to purchase his favorite dessert candles via his web site), along with a lot of Chicago Radio personalities from WGCI and people throughout the US.

CM: How did you get your start in the business?

AI: After styling hair for 13 years I grew tired of the long hours of inhaling chemicals and standing. I needed something else creative to put my hands on so I taught myself the art of candle design through reading books and doing Internet research for over a year, before I purchased raw materials with money I saved up and began my testing process.

I then, had family and friends test the candles and provide me with answers on a data sheet of how they felt the candle performed and I tweaked the candles accordingly. I started participating in home shows, craft shows then opened my own workshop where I currently design, sell and teach children between the ages of 8-15 the art of candle design.

CM: What is your inspiration?

AI: I grew up having an entrepreneurial spirit and always had the support of family and friends. I'm inspired daily when I see my peers doing well whom have struggled like I have in keeping our small but powerful businesses alive. What really keeps me going is when I introduce myself and my product to people at shows and they say that they already know about my product, and that they have candles that are over a year old that are still smelling strong and loo king great. I thrive off the energy of people who truly appreciate artistic, handmade, optimum quality items.

CM: What’s the mission of your company?

AI: To provide quality, highly scented, long burning, eclectic, handmade candle designs that you can't find with companies that mass produce.

CM: What makes your business unique?

AI: What really put Waxy Desires on the map is our large variety of realistic looking and highly scented dessert style candles. Our best seller has been our decadent Strawberry Cheesecakes, our Hershey's Fudge Sundae (as profiled on CLTV's Metromix -the clip can be seen on Waxy Desires web site) has caused quite a stir on down to our version of Grandma's Hot Apple Pie - simply delicious.  Outside of the desserts we specialize in uniquely shaped designs (such as 4 sizes of pyramids, towel candles, baby shower and wedding favors) and over 300 fragrances that can be made in any color(s) to accent your home decor.

CM: What is your business motto?

AI: Seducing Your Scent-Ses & Creating the Ambiance of  a Lifetime!

CM: What is your definition of a HOT SHOT?

AI: A Hot Shot is like the votive candles I sell, which, by the way, I call Hot Shots! A Hot Shot is a small powerhouse packed with punch. You don't anticipate as much kick as you receive. A Hot Shot takes your expectations by surprise and you will never look at small businesses the same. Hot Shots don't stop and are always raising the bar on excellence.

CM: What are you working on for 2007?

AI: 2007 is the year for expanding our client base, keeping Waxy Desires fresh in the media's mind and opening another cozy shop where people can come and relax, kick up their heels and enjoy the ambiance of burning candles while making their purchases.