For all the platonic and romantic lovers out there, there is always one dreaded question that peaks around this time of year: what can I get my loved ones for Valentines Day?
Some have the unfortunate task of topping last year’s thousand-rose extravaganza with something even more thoughtful and romantic, others are panicking because this is the first time they get to celebrate the holiday with someone else other than their mom (no offense, to all the mothers out there).
Regardless of the circumstance, the question of what to get has sent many into spirals that take them over budget—or under it—and eventually end up at the same department stores or mall kiosks to get the same viral gifts that sell out in a heartbeat.
However, there’s hope for all of us yet. Thoughtfulness and intimacy are still a hot commodity for gift receivers. And while the hyper-processed candies and teddy bears are a great tried-and-true cop out, why not give that local business a try? Odds are their products will add unique charm to a holiday meant to show your valentines just how much you love them.
Just off 72 Paint St. in Chillicothe, OH sits Maggie’s Farm and Aromatics, a local business specializing in a delicious array of homemade smell goods and products. The name comes from the family’s cat, Maggie, whom they adopted after she fell out of a tree a little over four years ago. This little lady’s spunk landed her a forever home who thought she was the perfect face for their business.
Maggie’s offers over 300 scents to choose from. From their best-selling blueberry crumble to suntan lotion, you’re bound to find something to tickle your sensory fancy.
Their wide range of unique goods are perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Founded by married couple Jessica and Kazy Richmond, the business was initially a creative outlet.
Jessica was a former probation officer who has also worked across several factions of social services. After nearly 20 years of dedication, the pandemic shook things up, leaving her with more time to explore something new.
“During COVID we were sent home just to keep the office clear and I can’t sit still. So, I started [to] make my own bath bombs, and my own candles,” said Richmond.
Richmond’s sister didn’t want this newfound talent to go to waste, so she convinced her to open a digital storefront on the online marketplace Etsy. Within her first year on the platform, there was an instant appeal for these products.
More orders were being placed, and it wasn’t long before she realized that this business was more than just a side hustle—it was quickly blossoming into a full-blown career.
Richmond soon had to make the tough choice of choosing between the career she’s maintained for the past two decades, and the new one unfolding in front of her. She quickly concluded that juggling two full-time jobs—on top of being a wife and a mother—wasn’t sustainable. So, she made the made the switch.
“It kept growing and growing, and it finally had taken over our dining room, and kitchen and home office. And so, my husband was like ‘you need a retail space,’ so we found our space in our local downtown area,” said Richmond.
Downtown Chillicothe is a long-standing area rich in community and history. Since 2018, non-profit organizations have worked with small and commercial businesses to maintain and revitalize their culture. Today it’s a huge tourist attraction and wedged in the heart of it all is the Maggie’s Farm and Aromatics storefront.
Forever answering the call to help others, Richmond ensures that she frequently gives back to her community.
“We try to partner with different agencies to do candle pours for their clients or even staff retreats,” says Richmond. “We [also] try to do different toy drives and diaper drives throughout the season too. We started a local period drive for our local schools who don’t provide free period products.”
This new building also broadened the possibilities for the business, she now has a new, physical demographic of shoppers.
For those making the transition from online to in person, they’re met with an intimate and cozy space. The shop’s namesake, Miss Maggie, is usually lounging in the makeshift bubble bath filled with loofah “bubbles” that adorns the storefront window, ready to greet anyone who enters (as long as she’s not in the middle of a nap).
Customers could now walk in and peruse their extensive catalogue of tinctures, candles, bath bombs and shower steamers in person.
They also offer a new service; their Chillicothe Pour that allows anyone to create their own candle for just 85 cents per ounce of wax.
“Almost every day we have people to come in to pour and refill candles…we have containers on the wall that you can choose from, or you can bring your own,” said Richmond. “A lot of people make a day of it, go thrift shopping and find a fun, funky container and bring it in.”
Richmond says that though the candle pours are something people partake in all year round, there is the usual influx of business during the holiday seasons.
Between Mother’s Day, Christmas and especially Valentine’s Day, many come in to select gifts that speak to their loved ones. During my interview with Richmond, I asked her what was one of the worst gifts she ever received, and we had a laugh about the ordeal.
“I won’t say who, but I received a wax warmer and wax melts as a gift, but we sell those in our store,” said Richmond, paying respect to the gift. As for her thoughts on how we should go about picking gifts, Richmond thinks personalization and consideration are the way to go.
“Well, I know a lot of people do flowers and chocolates, but that’s not always realistic within budget, allergies and sensitivities. Our whole store is really about self-care and skincare…so you can really personalize it,” says Richmond.
She believes in the intimacy found in picking out scents or products that mesh well with a person’s physical or mental health.
Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Buying from small businesses like Maggie’s is a great way to switch up your usual gift giving routine. Instead of standing in long department store lines or fighting with some random person over the last cheesy Hallmark card, opt for something with a bit more personality.
Don’t let commercial traditions limit your affections.
So, if you live in Chillicothe and you’re looking for a fun candle-pouring experience, you can book your session here. If not, you’re not completely out of luck because you can still order from Maggie’s off their official website or their Etsy shop.