Jersey Shore Business Journal

February 06, 2008

Stuebings turn candle-making hobby into full-time family business

By CAROLINE RANOIA
Staff Writer

John and Cheryl Stuebing have come a long way since their days of making herbal vinegars and layered cookie mixes at their kitchen table to sell at craft shows. Each year they would make more products and each year they would sell out completely.
It was obvious that the Stuebings were onto something. In February 1995 they took a risk, taking their life savings of $5,000 and simultaneously started their wholesale candle business and retail store.
“It was a family project; meaning it included total family participation which helped the business to succeed,” said Cheryl.
At the same time, Cheryl was dedicated to creating new and unique products, while her husband John handled the financial end. As the business evolved, so did the candle industry, and their store “A Cheerful Giver” was born. The candles are of the highest quality, and the fragrances are unsurpassed. Unique to the jar candles are their metal lid, which are handcrafted, along with their homespun tags.
Small businesses usually start with an inspiration behind them; their inspiration came from 2 Corinthians 9:7 which says “God loves a cheerful giver.” Their goal was to help people become cheerful givers by providing them with gifts that they would be eager to give, and something that the recipient would really appreciate.
New this year is the “The Salt and Light Collection,” which have a crackled ceramic lid and handmade charms. The paper tubes in this collection have a little piece of the beach on the top of every tube. They are the perfect souvenir to remember stays at the beach or to decorate a shore home. They are also customized with a favorite beach town location and shell design.
In addition to the Salt and Light Collection, the Stuebings also offer an eco conscience candle that is a premium soy blend. There are currently 14 fragrances in this collection including Apple Delight, Aunt Kook's Apple Cider, Fresh Peeled Macintosh, Juicy Apple, Kiwi-Melon, Lilacs in Bloom, Memories, Orange Cinnamon Clove, Spruceleigh and Sun Kissed Grapefruit.
“A Cheerful Giver candle offers no lead wicks and a very clean burn as long as the consumer trims their wicks,” said Cheryl.
The fragrances are highly concentrated and true to the name of the fragrance. The selection of scents range from a bakery scent to the smell of leather, so there seems to be a candle to match anyone’s choice.
You won’t find these candles in a chain store, because a Cheerful Giver is extremely selective and exclusive. In Cape May they are available for sale at Simply Unique and Carli’s Country Connection. You can see all of their products at their retail store located at 300 Front Street in Elmer, not too far from the shore, or check them out online at www.acheerfulgiver.com. To find out more information about this company call 1-888-CHEERFUL.

Caroline Ranoia can be e-mailed at caroline.ranoia@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250.