Meet R.E. Rochester: Master Chandler / Health and Wellness Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with R.E. Rochester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi R.E., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I consider my career choice both artistic and creative. Me being a Chandler and Soaper allows me to control my designs, experiment with amazing ingredients and bring something that is consider ordinary to life in an artistic way. I earned an accounting degree and after years of working in Corporate America, I knew that I was not being fulfilled. I am a crafter by heart and it fills my spirit with joy to create. I am the person who loves to decorate for every holiday. By making candles and soaps, I get to pour me and my artistic capabilities in every item!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My recent battle with COVID-19 put me in full gear to redirect my focus and change the trajectory of by business/ brand. While I still do make custom lavish candle pieces that are truly works of art and that will pull any living room, kitchen or bedroom décor together, I also concentrate on health and wellness and made it a prime decision to incorporate that into my main line products. My victory over COVID made me want to share my story as well as the healthy products (some homemade) that I used to help my healing process, restore my body and my skin. Example, after my battle with Covid, my skin darkened and became dry. I immediately did my research and perfected a Turmeric and Tea Tree Oil soap that lightened, moisturized and literally brought my skin back to life. This truly made me get in gear to live a healthy lifestyle and make products that benefit the entire body! I now provide a healthy aromatherapy lifestyle through my hand poured RELAX Line candles, all-natural soaps and my health and wellness Supplements. I also have a customer engaging fun side of the business. I truly share a passion with other artsy people by bringing the art of candle making into collaborative spaces where people can make unique candles. I make the process simple by allowing enthusiasts to pick a container, choose from a variety of scented color waxes, and design their candles just the way they want them. They can even paint on a wine glass container if they would like before filling it with candle wax.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would defiantly have to take them to Downtown Atlanta to enjoy some of the famous attractions such as The National Center for Human and Civil Rights, The King Center, Cabbage town. Auburn Ave. I would indulge in some seafood at a little restaurant (Louisiana Shack) in Lawrenceville GA. This place has the best seafood. Little Five Points is the go-to place to find, cool, unique, interesting and gifted people and things.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a special thank you to all my family and friends who have supported me throughout the years. I am profoundly grateful. I would like to send a special Thank you to Mr. Ronald Walton of East Point GA who kept me in business for years when there were no other purchases being made by any other customers. There were times when I wanted to give up and actually would say “ I quit, I can’t do this anymore” and he would call with a large order to change my mind and keep me in business. GOD sent!

Website: thecandlestation.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thecandlestation
Facebook: facebook.com/therealcandlestation
Youtube: the candle station
Other: Google – The Candle Station in Lawrenceville

Image Credits
some photos were provided by Skull Cap Photography – Christopher Eric Fields