On Saturday, October 7, from 9-1, we are hosting our Fall At The Farm event. This has become an annual event that I look forward to for many reasons. However, I am most excited to welcome one of "my kids," Katie Molinengo, to our event this year. It feels like a lifetime ago, but Katie was one of my students when I taught at Brookville High School. I had the pleasure of having Katie in my English class for multiple years. I watched her grow from an awkward seventh grader; I feel like all seventh graders are awkward, not just Katie, into a lovely, talented young woman.
Katie graduated from Brookville, went on to college to study art, and now works at Oglebay Resort in West Virginia. Katie is a talented painter; check out her forest-inspired artwork on her website: https://www.katiemolinengo.com/. She is also creating the beautiful candles pictured above. Katie's candles are gorgeous works of art. One would not think candles could be a creative medium, but my talented friend has taken candle-making to the next level. I don't think I will be able to burn my candles; yes, I plan to stock up; they are too beautiful. By the way, I hate it when people tell me this about my soap. It's how I pay my bills, please use it! Insert a smile and a wink. I, of course, will use Katie's candles no matter how much it pains me to destroy her work.
I plan to purchase Katie's candles as gifts for friends, family, and special soap family members. I am picturing my Pumpkin Sandalwood soap and moisturizer paired with Katie's candles, caramels from Confections by Christina, a hand-embroidered tea towel, and wildflower honey from Pisarcik's Flower Farm. If my friends have dogs, I will add pumpkin treats from Canine Confections. All are handmade, local, small businesses owned by very talented women. I love to support local, small, and especially woman-owned.
I hope you will come out to support all the fantastic small local businesses joining us here at the farm on Saturday, October 7. You won't be disappointed. My friends are lovely people; I am sure you will be as impressed with them and their talent as I am. I am thrilled to welcome Katie to our farm and introduce her and her beautiful work to all my soap family. On this lovely September day, stay safe, be smart, come out to meet Katie at our event, and keep washing your hands.