Montville Alum’s Business Features Hand-Poured Candles

October marked the 3-year anniversary for Domestic Goddess, a candle company started by Montville Township High School alum Tiffany Palisi, class of 1987 whose parents still live in town.

“I make candles and hand pour them at my home in Mountain Lakes.” 

You can buy them in at her Etsy shop, OpenSky shop or at select stores and Palisi prefers local, independently owned stores. 

You can also find Domestic Goddess at the upcoming RVS 3rd Annual Holiday Boutique on Friday, Dec. 6 from 2:45 - 8 p.m. at Rockaway Valley School at 11 Valley Road, Boonton Township.

Business name: Domestic Goddess Ltd.

Owner:  Tiffany Palisi

Business Address: Online shop: https://www.opensky.com/domestic-goddess-ltd

Hours of Operation:  Always open

Phone:  973-809-7880

Website:  www.domesticgoddessline.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DomesticGoddessLtd

Founding/Opening Date:  October 2010

Patch posed questions to Palisi to get to know her business better. This is what she said.

Q: How long did it take to go from idea to first customer?

A: Two weeks. The first shop to buy our line was Savannah Hope Vintage in Boonton.

Q: Why did you start your business locally? 

A: I believe in the importance of keeping funds flowing in the area in which we live. Spending money locally keeps our economy thriving.

Q: What do you find the most rewarding about what you do?

A: I like hearing feedback and stories from customers, who they've given their candles to, and the ways in which they've used them. I sell in lots of independently owned shops in the area, so often times I run into people who buy my candles. I also do trunk shows and teach classes, allowing me the opportunity to get to know my the people who buy my candles.

Q: What's the biggest challenge you face in your business today?

A: I hand pour each candle myself, so I find that I work 60 hours a week during busy season. As a mom, balancing work with taking care of children, dogs, making meals, and attempting to keep the house clean is quite a challenge.

Q: When people think of your business, what sets you apart from others? 

A: My fragrances are all custom made, hand poured at my home, and hand packed. All of my marketing, advertising, and well, everything, is done by me. I make all of my candles right here in New Jersey.

Q: Where would you like your business to be in five years?  

A: I would love to see my line grow, expand into more shops, and become a household name, at least in Morris County (laughs).