Meet Jenni Pollack

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Pollack.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ten years ago, I saw my friend’s mom making candles in her garage out of recycled wine bottles and as a candle lover, was in awe. I have always been a creative and crafty person, but the thought never crossed my mind that I could create my own candles by hand. I began saving bottles with interesting labels and amassed a collection over the years with the goal of one day teaching myself how to turn them into candles, too.

Over the years while I was collecting bottles, the course of my life changed dramatically. I discovered the world of dog rescue and found my calling. When I adopted my first dog in 2015, my eyes were opened to a massive problem that I did not realize was happening right here in our backyard. Tens of thousands of dogs go stray, are surrendered or abandoned each year in Maricopa County. These dogs are largely taken under the wing of our municipal shelter system, where staff and volunteers work tirelessly to care for, enrich & network these dogs for adoption and rescue. The county shelter system is not perfect nor well-funded, yet is tasked with the never-ending influx of these helpless, homeless dogs. I became a volunteer at the shelter and began devoting my time to helping dogs, but I wanted to do more. This is where my passions perfectly aligned.

Ten years after the candle seed had been planted in my mind, and inspired with a burning passion for helping our homeless dog epidemic, I finally set out to teach myself how to make high-quality soy candles and started a company that would donate a portion of sales from every candle back to the shelter that I love. This total win-win idea let me run my own business, be creative, have fun, inspire others AND make a difference in my community. A quote by Simon Sinek perfectly describes my inspiration for DOG Candle Co, and that is that “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Beautiful and great-smelling candles that are safe & healthy to burn is the product that I want you to have, but knowing that you’ve had a direct hand in saving & enriching the lives of dogs who can’t otherwise fend for themselves by purchasing my candles? That is the feeling I want you to have. And that is my why.

Please tell us about your art.
At DOG Candle Co, I make and sell soy candles with the mission of Doing Others Good (“DOG”). A portion of proceeds from every candle sold is donated back to the county animal shelter through tangible items that will support dogs in the shelter’s care while they are waiting for adoption. I am passionate about getting involved hands-on, so I will pool my proceeds to donate things like collars, enrichment items, microchips, and so forth so you can see how you are directly helping to improve the lives of these awesome dogs!

As passionate as I am about shelter dogs, I am equally as passionate about putting out an amazing product. I love getting creative and making my own candles, and also love working with other brands or special events to develop white label candles for them! I make all of my candles by hand in small batches in my studio in Old Town Scottsdale. They are comprised of all-natural soy wax and unique blends of phthalate-free fragrance oils and essential oils, which burn long and clean with lead-free cotton wicks. I strive for the industry’s best current standards in making candles that are safe for the air you and your pets breathe in your home. The packaging and labels are thoughtfully designed to be clean and elegant for any decor. I want you to look good, smell good and feel good when burning my candles!

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Since becoming a local maker and small business owner, I am very encouraged by the support I’ve received and connections I’ve made with other makers and local business owners here in the valley. To me, this community is ripe for welcoming and nurturing businesses and artists who are genuine in their mission. When you are kind, open-minded and willing to share, I have found that others are, too. Cities like ours can continue to help art and artists thrive by simply supporting them! Carry and purchase locally made products instead of mass-made ones, spread the word about these products, businesses and the people and stories behind them, and lend a helping hand when needed.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @dogcandleco to see the latest of what I’m up to, for new scent launches, behind the scenes in the studio & events where you can find me. You can purchase DOG Candle Co candles online at www.dogcandleco.com, and if you are local, you can message me to pick up candles up at my studio in Old Town Scottsdale. You can also find my candles in a variety of local businesses in Arizona including Gather PHX at The Churchill, Small Goods Market downtown, Vibetality in Chandler, Studio 223 in Gilbert and Huss Brewing Co taprooms in Tempe and Uptown Phoenix. I am all about supporting other local businesses as much as I can, and hope you will, too! Lastly, you can make your own candle at one of my candle-making classes or set up your own private class. Follow me on social media to see announcements about class availability.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dogcandleco.com
• Email: hello@dogcandleco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogcandleco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOGCandleCo/

Image Credit:
Monica Wayne Photography

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