Conversations with Nicole Dorazil

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Dorazil.

Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My background is a Biology major with a Masters in Fine Arts. I have always loved both science and design. I started West + Peak making candles as a hobby while I worked as VP of Design at Carters. I began selling candles at a few markets/breweries on the weekends and at one of those markets, Cartoon Network hired me to make candles for their corporate holiday gifts. We ended up making 1300 candles and it was then I realized this could turn into a real business and I started to come up with a plan to exit corporate America and pursue my dream of owning my own business. My husband began helping to sell candles into a few wholesale accounts and those accounts are still with us today. We make custom candles for Wander No. GA in Clayton and Oar and Canoe in Blue Ridge and they have been great supporters. 2.5 years ago, my husband and I signed a lease and opened our brick and morter shop and I left my corporate job. Our shop was the culmination and bringing together of my candle making, workshop studio and desire to create a space that was more than just a shop. My goal was to create a relaxing, well designed and minimal space where others could feel creative. I set out to curate goods that compliment happy living with a beautiful aesthetic that I personally love. My inspiration were the stores that I discovered during extensive trend and inspiration travel over the years in Paris, Tokyo, London and Scandinavia. Which is why you will find unique items from Japan and France. Leaning into my many years in the design industry, my husband and I began Roswell Supply Co. and designed a few hats and tees as a side hustle for West + Peak. My husband has been integral in Roswell Supply Co. where he has been a staple at the Roswell Farmer’s Market this past year. We have seen huge growth for our tiny little side hustle and are currently planning on moving our space in 2 months. We will expand to have 2 adjoining spaces, West + Peak and Roswell Supply Co.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. It has been a very bumpy road! As with many small business you learn as you go. We have learned what works and what doesn’t and are leaning into what works. I would say location has been the biggest drawback as we are a little hidden. So we are looking forward to more visibility as we move closer to Canton Street.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a maker and designer at heart. I have designed almost everything we have, and my husband and friend have built almost all of our fixtures. We are a unique shop in that we have multiple things going on almost every day. We are a studio, pouring custom and wholesale orders. We offer weekly workshops with candle making classes which bring the community together for fun experiences. We are also always reinventing the shop in a creative way and are always searching for new and unique items to bring in.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We love partnering with other business. We have created many custom candles for local business including Up Network, Chrome Yellow Coffee, The Drake House and Wander No. Ga. We also have taken our workshops on the road and have done them at Variant Brewing and will be doing one at Blended Family Spirits.

Pricing:

• Our candles start at $20 retail

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westandpeak.com
• Instagram: @westandpeak @roswellsupplyco

Image Credits
Some pictures I have taken and others are by @Laurenynnmedia