Professional Profile - Living dream with her shop

A: Stratford NJ, 1981.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: Sebring, Florida- elementary through college

Q: Where all have you lived?

A: New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama

Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job.

A: I’m the proud owner of Hadwin House. Candle making is the base of Hadwin House, however, it has blossomed and grown into many facets that are extensions of our home. We have everything from olive oils and balsamic and home decor to fishing items. My late father-in-law used to say we had “a little bit of a lot.” My husband, who runs the business with me, says “we don’t have everything, but we have something for everyone.”

Q: What led you to your profession?

A: I had retired from doing hair and was helping my husband run our process service company and I needed a promotional item to give to our attorneys’ offices. The price of candles was so astronomical. It was close to my 35th birthday and for a gift, I asked for the supplies to start making candles. They were a hit and the next thing I knew I was selling them and doing church fundraisers. Hadwin House Candles became a thing rather quickly for us. Fast forward 6 years later and this is our only career.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I get to help people find the best gifts and items for their home. I also am allowed to share not only my passion for candles (I think all things should smell good) but I also get to share another passion of mine, which is cooking. I love sharing tips and ideas on how to use our flavored olive oils and balsamic to level up in the kitchen.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked at a place called “Kidz Maze”, which was an indoor playground. I made pizzas, hosted birthday parties and such.

Q: If you could relive one day from your life, what day would you choose?

A: I honestly can’t think of one.

Q: What is your spouse’s name? What does he do for a living?

A: Damon Hadwin- He helps me run Hadwin House. He’s the “Pop” to our "mom and pop" shop.

Q: Do you have any children?

A: We have 2 boys.

Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?

A: Lobster Fra Diavolo

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Italy

Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I don’t get much spare time. But I do enjoy cooking, boating, making my home a haven.

Q: What do you enjoy about living and working in Guntersville and Marshall County?

A: Out of all the places I’ve lived, Guntersville seems to encompass all my favorite things about the places I’ve ever lived and more. I’ve always dreamed of having a store in a beautiful downtown and I’m living out that dream.

Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?

A: Jesus. I would just let Him talk and tell me how my loved ones in glory are.

Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?

A: Movie - movies are very engaging to me.

Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

A: My poorest day. That day I learned the most. I was broke and was down to eating nothing but white rice with leftover Chinese food sauce packets. I decided then and there that I was not going to live that way. I took on 3 jobs, paid my mortgage, car payments and made sure I’d never be in fear of being without again.

Q: What would be the No. 1 thing on your Bucket List?

A: To go to an all-inclusive resort on an island with my husband.

Q: If you could describe your morals in three words, what would they be?

A: Honesty, integrity and work ethic.

Q: How would you like to be remembered?

A: As a woman who gave her all in everything she ever did and thus, brought joy to others.