When I was young, my grandmother was everything to me. She was loving, fun, generous, smart…and also kind of fabulous. She had slippers with fur on them. She wore false eyelashes that made every wink special. We polished our nails together, always a color with a bit of shimmer. She wore flowing caftans on holidays, and there was always a slim cigarette between her fingers. My grandparents weren’t wealthy, but the way she carried herself was the epitome of glamour in my eyes.
When I was just dreaming up the business that would become Betty Byrd Vintage & Gifts, I was delightfully inspired by a photo of an old bowl someone had turned into a candle. Amazing! I clung to the thought of breathing new life into an object that would have possibly been discarded or forgotten. Having recently worked in a lovely boutique at a local nursery, I knew I could use the same idea with greenery. Who wouldn’t want a sweet little plant potted in a vintage teacup? I went deep into some research for ideas and before you knew it, I was pouring hot candle wax into a mismatched coffee mug I found in a box in storage. I was tucking succulents into long forgotten sugar bowls. Truth be told, my first attempts weren’t all that impressive. The candles didn’t burn well and the plants didn’t survive. But I knew I was onto something: there is just something special about the charm of something old made useful again.
When I can’t sleep, I mentally visit the rooms in her home, remembering the layout and furniture and decor. The blue tile in my Grandpa’s bathroom. The credenza in the living room where Grandma displayed Christmas cards during the holiday. Grandpa’s recliner next to the fireplace. And one item in particular stands out in my memory, situated on an octagonal wooden side table, near Grandma’s ashtray: a textured glass candy dish with a lid. It was clear cut glass in a pedestal shape and had crystals dangling all around the bowl. How I loved lifting the lid and stealing a piece of candy, watching those crystals swing and catch the dim lamplight and twinkle. It felt extra special and glamorous, like Grandma. I don’t remember the type of treats inside, but I won’t forget that fancy candy dish or the warm, safe feeling of that house.
Fast forward a month or two, and I’d scoured thift stores and yard sales for any interesting thing that I could repurpose into a candle or plant holder. I experimented with my creativity and decorate the candles dried flowers and crystals. I learned the proper method for planting in vessels without drainage and adorned the soil with cool stones and glass. I learned as I went, trial-and-error style. In addition to my beloved vintage barware sets, coffee mugs, trinkets, and decor, I included some gorgeous and unique candles and potted plants to my inventory for my very first business launch popup party in December of 2023. These repurposed gems remain some of my best-selling goodies. I guess I’m not the only nostalgic one!
When I talk with customers about the things I’m sharing at a popup or market, my favorite thing to hear is, “Oh! My mom had those glasses!” or “This reminds me of my grandma’s house.” I love reminding them that yep, they did steal candy out of a dish just like this one that is now a candle. It conjures a moment in the past for them- they may like the beauty or uniqueness of the item, but what they are really drawn to is the memory behind it.
I have two young boys of my own now, and I’m lucky enough to live close to my parents. We visit often, and my mom always has candy in a special spot for them. As soon as they arrive (and hopefully after a quick hug to Uma and Papa), they beeline it for a treat! I love that they will have that memory of their grandparents’ home. I like to think that my Grandma would love it, too.
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