Meet Emily B. Mccormick | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily B. Mccormick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily B., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After my initial venture, a southern-style buffet restaurant and venue in Warren County, North Carolina, faced the challenges of a global COVID-19 pandemic and had to close its doors in December 2020, I channeled my passion into a new direction. In January 2021, launched McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio focusing on gifts and candles.

My mission is to merge thoughtful craftsmanship with a warm, inviting atmosphere, creating unique and memorable gifts that bring joy and comfort. Despite the hardships faced, my dedication to celebrating special moments through beautifully crafted candles and distinctive gifts shines through in every product offered at McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio. is my way of continuing to spread warmth and create lasting memories, now through the art of gift-giving and the ambiance of thoughtfully designed candles.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio is all about crafting moments of joy and comfort through our unique gifts and candles. What sets us apart is our dedication to combining artistry with personal touch. Every candle and gift we create is designed not just to be beautiful, but to evoke emotions and make special moments even more memorable.

We’re most proud of our ability to pivot and reinvent ourselves after closing our southern-style buffet restaurant due to the pandemic. Transitioning to a gift and candle studio was a significant shift, but it allowed us to channel our passion for creating memorable experiences into a new and exciting form. The personalized nature of our products, coupled with our commitment to quality, makes our brand stand out.

The journey to where we are today was far from easy. The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but it also pushed us to explore new possibilities. We faced numerous obstacles, from figuring out new supply chains to establishing our brand in a completely different market. However, our resilience, adaptability, and the support of our entrepreneurial network were crucial in overcoming these challenges.

One of the key lessons we’ve learned is the importance of staying flexible and open to change. The ability to pivot and adapt is essential, especially in unpredictable circumstances. We’ve also learned the value of community and support—our network of friends, mentors, and customers played a huge role in our success.

What we want the world to know about McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio is that we are more than just a business; we’re a reflection of our passion for creating beauty and warmth in people’s lives. Our story is one of perseverance and reinvention, and we take immense pride in crafting products that bring joy and meaning to those who experience them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d design an itinerary that highlights the best local experiences while ensuring we have a fantastic time together. Here’s how I’d plan the perfect week:

Day 1: Welcome and Explore
Breakfast/Brunch: I’d start by cooking a delicious meal at home, since they’d definitely expect me to whip up something special!
Shopping: We’d head to Crabtree Valley Mall for some retail therapy and to check out the latest trends.
Lunch: A hearty lunch at Perry’s Steakhouse followed by indulgent milkshakes at the The Yard Milkshake Bar – Downtown Raleigh.
Afternoon: A full tour of McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio to explore unique gifts and handcrafted candles. , where I’d teach them how to make their own candle.
Evening: We’d wrap up the day with some live jazz music, depending on the day. If it’s a weekday, we might catch a set at Missy Lane in Durham, or if it’s the weekend, a visit to Seven Springs Farm And Vineyard in my hometown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to recognize our incredible community of supporters and customers. Their encouragement and enthusiasm have been the cornerstone of our success. It’s their appreciation for our handcrafted gifts and candles that fuels our passion every day.

A special shoutout goes to my circle of entrepreneur friends who offered invaluable support during our transition from a restaurant to a gift and candle studio. Their insights, encouragement, and camaraderie were essential as we navigated this significant change. Their shared experiences and advice helped us adapt and thrive in a new direction. Thank you for being such a vital part of our journey!

Website: https://www.mccormickcreations.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccormickcreation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccormickcreation

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mccormickcreations3823

Image Credits
Brett Seay Photo