Story & Lesson Highlights with Dawn Hull of Marietta Square

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dawn Hull. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Dawn, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned is just how much my clients value the ‘identity’ I give each piece. When I repurpose a vintage candlestick holder into a CandlestickCoaster—whether it becomes a personal side table, a plant stand, or a catch-all tray—I print a custom tag that includes its unique name.

I always assumed those tags were just part of the packaging, but I’ve been so surprised to visit the homes of friends and family and see the tags still hanging there! While it’s certainly not necessary to keep them on, my clients seem to love the ‘birth certificate’ feel.

Since every piece is uniquely named, keeping the tag on allows the CandlestickCoaster to keep telling its own story in its new home. It brings me so much joy to realize that people aren’t just buying a functional item; they’re connecting with the individual personality I’ve imagined into these repurposed finds.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a self-proclaimed creative and data geek who loves a good challenge. Professionally, I am the Head of Business Development for Renters Insurance at an insurtech startup dedicated to modernizing the pet and renters insurance industry. I’m also incredibly proud of my work with OliverAlert, a community-focused platform dedicated to helping people with lost and found pets.
When I’m not supporting my “day job” clients and expanding our footprint, I’m working on CandlestickCoasters. I hand-craft functional art by transforming unique candlestick bases—made of glass, wood, brass, and more—into one-of-a-kind side tables, catch-all trays, and plant stands. Whether I’m solving a complex problem at work or having fun with a vintage find, my goal is to create something as meaningful and story-driven as it is useful and aesthetically pleasing.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I had an imaginary friend named Marsha. Looking back, I think I believed that ‘connection’ was something you could just conjure up on your own, and it was certainly easier to blame her for the messes ‘she’ made. But as I’ve grown and navigated the world of business and creativity, I’ve learned something far more grounded: people who are truly your friends show up. They aren’t imaginary.

This realization taught me that you must take responsibility for your own actions, and it has shaped how I build my projects today. Whether it’s helping a pet owner with OliverAlert or seeing a customer cherish the unique identity of a CandlestickCoaster, I’ve learned that real impact happens when you show up for others and hold yourself accountable.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Whether it’s starting, stopping, or pivoting—take action now to stay in alignment with the person you are becoming. Kindness to your future self starts with the courage to be mindful today.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think in terms of black and white—good and bad, or strict opposites of positive and negative. I’ve since realized that we actually live in a spectrum. There is a lot of ‘gray’ out there, and I’ve learned to embrace the fact that many things in life can’t be easily categorized, understood, or explained. Moving away from that binary way of thinking has allowed me to be more open to the complexity of people, business, and art.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
I live with a ‘no regrets’ philosophy. While I might tweak a few details if given the opportunity, I trust that my judgment and good-faith efforts will always work in my favor. I would much rather fail at something than never try at all. I’ve always been inspired by Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice to ‘skate to where the puck is going to be,’ and my goal is to remain forward-thinking and do just that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://candlestickcoasters.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candlestickcoasters
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnkhull