zena musings

Notice of Price Increase ~ May 1, 2008

I want to let zena moon customers know that effective May 1, 2008 our candle prices are going up. The new prices will be:

2 x 3 small pillar - $10
2 x 6 medium pillar - $15
3 x 7 large pillar - $22
3 x 8 obelisk - $18
2½ x 3½ affirmation & element - $12
3 x 4 animal totem - $18
2½ x 3½ prayer - $14

I know this may seem like a steep hike, but in reality it's exactly parallel to the rising costs of our materials. Since our last price increase in 2003 we’ve absorbed a 30% increase in the cost of wax alone, plus significant increases in labor, scent, utilities and other materials which go into making our hand-crafted candles. I have avoided raising prices as long as possible -- too long, to be honest -- but to keep the company healthy and my dogs fed I need to face the inevitable.

We will still offer free shipping over $30 every full moon as well as special new moon discounts available to our newsletter subscribers (sign up here). You can also save a whopping 50% every day by shopping The Island of Misfit Candles.

Price increases are never easy, which is why this is only the second one I've done throughout zena moon's nearly 9 years in business. It's no secret that women business owners especially struggle with valuing their work and setting fair prices. So, if you don't have an accountant who actually pays attention to your Profit & Loss statement and works with you to keep your company solvent, I highly recommend finding one ASAP! Before hiring my new accountant I was pretty much operating in the dark in some areas, and that is one dumb way to run a business. Especially a business that reflects your heart and soul (which are of great value).

Thanks for your support, loyalty and patronage. I'm grateful beyond measure!

Two New Candles

authenticity
"Be who you are
and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."
~Dr. Seuss

be present, be here
"With the past, I have nothing to do;
nor with the future. I live now."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

(This one was inspired by and is dedicated to my soulsister Liz)

New Babies

I created two new candles today: acceptance and soothing a broken heart.

I think soothing turned out gorgeous! (Photo on right.) I'm pretty sure acceptance will too (they're still cooling, none are unmolded yet).

Other than allowing time and doing the legwork, I don't have a whole lot of influence when candles are birthed. They come when they come. I've tried forcing new candles into existence, but unless they're ready to come forth, they don't! Either they turn out ugly, or I can't find the exact right quote, or something undefinable just isn't right. Forcing the creative process rarely works for me, yet there's a fine fluid line between simmering organic creativity and fear-ridden inertia.

This morning I personally need acceptance. And soothing a broken heart was loudly knocking on the door, begging "Make me! Make me!" Both will be available to order later this week.

What's knocking on your door?
What's begging to be expressed through you?