Made in Arkansas: Peaceful Lilac
In an ideal world, the stress and worries of the day would be left at the door so that only peaceful and positive thoughts remain. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, but people sometimes underestimate the power of a calming scent, soothing skin hydration and the importance of self-care.
Gayle Hurd.
Gayle Hurd, the owner of Peaceful Lilac LLC, is one of the few that does appreciate the simple luxuries in life. After she was laid off from her job in April 2020, Hurd decided to make the best of her situation and take up a hobby to fill her days.
“I needed something to do,” Hurd says. “I’ve always loved candles, so I started researching the process in April, and by August I was selling my candles at the farmers market.”
Since her first few months of making candles, Hurd has branched out into a few other products that have quickly become just as successful as her candles — wax melts, body butter, lip balm, exfoliation cream, bath bombs and a few other products to make the mind and body feel like royalty.
“I use all-natural ingredients to make my products,” Hurd says. “I knew from the start that I didn’t want to use any chemicals or artificial ingredients, so I did my research, watched YouTube videos and really tried to find what is better for the body and better for the environment. I use cotton wicks, Kokum, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and other ingredients that have good properties.”
When reflecting on her early days and learning how to use these ingredients, Hurd isn’t afraid to say that she wasn’t a professional from the start.
“I had a lot of mishaps,” Hurd says with a laugh. “I read countless blogs and searched everywhere online how to get through my trial and error phase, and I’m still learning and working on my process. The research never stops; I always want to get better.”
Hurd’s large candles are named after jazz songs.
Hurd now has a full-time job once again, so she spends her days trying to balance going to work and making products to sell online, as well as at Moxy Modern Mercantile and at the Bernice Garden.
“I normally make my products in the evening, so one night I may make candles and the next night I might be doing body butter. Some nights I spend the entire time working on labels or checking my Etsy site. Often, I’ll work really hard one week so I don’t have a lot to do the next,” Hurd says with another laugh. “I’m always busy.”
The new entrepreneur has no plans of stopping any time soon. In fact, despite her busy schedule, she’s looking forward to more growth in her business and reaching new customers looking for a bit of pampering.
“I want to further educate myself on my craft because I think it could always be better,” Hurd says. “I have my business license, and I’m looking forward to finding more stores to sell my products.”
“Everyone needs a candle,” Hurd says. “Lighting a candle after a long day just really changes your mood and makes you feel better.”
Find Peaceful Lilac products at Moxy Modern Mercantile in the SoMa District of Little Rock, on Etsy and find Hurd herself on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm at the Bernice Garden.
Photos courtesy Peaceful Lilac.
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