CLEVELAND — Jenn Morrissey doesn’t sell tomatoes, berries or even jam each week at the Crocker Park Market in Cleveland. Instead, she has a table display full of handmade candles. Hardly anything edible, but the small business owner has found her niche.
Morrissey is the owner of Jenns Homemade Candles LLC. She said smaller venues like farmers’ markets help her build a consistent custumer base.
“When you do the farmers’ markets you get a nice variety of customers, and they usually come back to see you,” she said.
Morrissey started her business in 2021 and had to overcome some initial obstacles, but said she is glad she didn’t give up.
“I feel like if, you know, you try and keep going at it, it always gets better for you. Which is what’s happening to me this year, I really took off with everything,” she said.
She sets up a display each week at the Crocker Park Farmers Market, one of seven outdoor markets overseen by the North Union Farmers Market, a nonprofit organization that “promotes the health, economic and environmental benefits by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets.”
Morrissey appreciates her success and said it’s not always measured in dollars and cents. Instead, she takes joy from connecting with her customers.
“When I hear people say, ‘I can’t wait to light my candle it made me feel so good’, you know, that right there is worth more than money to me,” she said.
Morrissey and her candles can be found at farmers’ markets around the Cleveland area, such as the Crocker Park Market. Her products are also sold online and at the Rift Shop in Olmsted Falls.
