RETAILER STORY
Spruce Your Nest grows by embracing the “small” in small business
A charming neighborhood gift shop is showcasing the creativity of the Northwest by supporting homegrown businesses.
Gift Shop
Est. 2021
Home Decor
Artisan Creations
Jewelry
Spokane, Wash.
1220 S. Grand Blvd
“People want to shop local these days. I try to support a lot of local artisans. That also allows me to buy on a smaller level because again, I’m getting started and I have a small space.”
Leilah Isaacson, Spruce Your Nest owner
Buying local. Starting small. These aren’t just catchphrases at Spruce Your Nest. It’s a winning combination that has Dandles Candles flying out the door of this south Spokane, Washington gift shop.
“When I get a new supply of Dandles, they sell super fast,” explained owner Leilah Isaacson. “I’m usually wishing I had ordered more each time.
The shop is small.
It carries mainly small brands.
But don’t let the word “small” fool you.
Spruce Your Nest hit a big milestone. Isaacson celebrated two years in business July 8, 2023. It’s a big feat considering only 20% of new businesses survive the first year. For Isaacson, it’s proof that people in Spokane still love a good neighborhood brick-and-mortar store and that Dandles customers always return.
Starting Small with Dandles Candles
“I have regulars who come specifically to buy Dandles Candles.”
Customers sometimes mention that they just bought Dandles the week before at Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things. Then they come to Spruce Your Nest for different candle scents and styles.
“I’m like, ‘you probably should leave here. You sound like you have too many candles,’” laughed Isaacson.
She chuckles because she knows the candle obsession is real. The Spruce Your Nest owner discovered the locally crafted soy wax candles long before she switched careers and opened a gift shop.
She discovered the best-selling candles when Dandles creator Dana Haynes still did in-home parties nearly 20 years ago.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sorry, folks. The tall Hobnail style was retired from the Dandles collection years ago. We now carry a smaller 20-oz Hobnail Candle, available in 50 scents.
“I bought a tall Hobnail styled candle in the Gardenia Bloom scent, which I absolutely loved,” said Isaacson, who noted it was before Dandles expanded into shops and online. “I had that candle for years and I would burn it very sparingly because it was my favorite and I didn’t want it to go away.”
Isaacson eventually discovered that her favorite candle wasn’t a one-hit wonder.
“I told a friend about how I was saving my Dandle and she said, ‘What is wrong with you? Dandles does refills.’”
Isaacson soon discovered that Dandles customers can drop off washed, empty candle vessels at two Spokane locations. Dandles refills candles for a small fee, bringing favorites back to life and creating less waste.
Becoming a Dandles Candles Retailer
“Now I have a bazillion Candles all over my house and shop.”
The candles don’t last long at Isaacson’s home or at Spruce Your Nest. In fact, Dandles are a top seller at the Spokane gift ship almost every month. It’s no surprise to the owner that the 20-oz Hobnail is a best-seller year round.
“I think for people who know Dandles and have been buying Dandles for years, the Hobnail Candle is their go-to,” said Isaacson.
Customers shopping for gifts tend to pick the smaller candles. Isaacson recommends the Cork Lid Candle, White Stripy, or the 5-oz candles if you’re building a birthday gift or gift basket. The soy wax scents change seasonally in store, but Isaacson recommends these favorite customer scents for people new to Dandles Candles.
Tobacco Teakwood
Vanilla Coconut Cream
Satsuma Blanc
Five Wishes
Huckleberry Harvest
Lilac City
Spokane Gift Shop Supports Local Brands
It’s this level of product and customer knowledge that sets Spruce Your Nest apart. Isaacson has done her homework, tested new brands, and become a local expert when it comes to which local brands sell.
Lilly Bird Crochet Baskets
“I try to source a lot of local products, which I don’t think necessarily makes me that unique, but I think it’s important to people.”
The jewelry and even pottery at Spruce Your Nest are sourced from Northwest businesses. Her location means neighbors heading to weddings, housewarming parties, or birthdays often stop by for a quick, high-quality gift. Isaacson recommends a few customer favorites for anyone wanting to support local artisans.
Lilly Bird Crochet (Spokane): Crochet baskets created by Sonia Maciel, a stay-at-home mom who launched her business during COVID.
Fawcett Farms Lavender (Spokane): Lavender sprays, oils, and lotions created by Valerie Fawcett on her 11-acre, organic lavender farm.
North Pine Farm (Chattaroy): Bath bombs, salts, and lotions created by Abby and Brandon Gillingham. North Pine Farm’s products are free of parabens, phthalates, paraffins, and BPA.
Tokki (Spokane and Seattle): Reusable gift bags with digital cards that have gained national attention, even being featured on The Today Show.
Supporting Small Businesses beyond Spokane
Not everything in Spruce Your Nest is locally created. However, Isaacson is mindful about supporting small businesses, regardless of their location, if the item is a good fit for her South Hill gift shop.
“Supporting small businesses helps them and me,” explained Isaacson. “Big corporations that sell wholesale home decor have huge minimums for placing an order.”
For example, bigger companies typically require shops to buy bulk orders. It’s pricey and leaves smaller shops with space problems. Where to store all the extra inventory?
“I just can’t do that. I don’t have the money or the space for it. So buying from more local vendors helps me buy smaller. I can experiment more with different types of products and see what people like, see what people would want to buy.”
Curating Spruce Your Nest is all about striking the right balance and being picky.
“Sometimes buying local or small means things cost a bit more, and that’s okay. I’ve also found vendors who are just getting started like me, so their prices are a little bit lower.”
Small Business Perks
Keeping things small has its perks. Spruce Your Nest is located on Grand Boulevard near Manito Park, making her shop a favorite among neighbors.
“I’m not in a real businessy district, I’m in a small business district on the edge of really nice neighborhoods. That really appeals to me,” explained Isaacson, who appreciates the support from neighbors who have become regulars.
The small space inside the shop allows Isaacson to chat with customers as they look around.
“It’s exactly what I wanted to do, to provide for this community, it’s fun and totally different from anything I’ve ever done career-wise before,” said Isaacson, who left a career in TV news for marketing. “I didn’t really love it. It didn’t feel like a good fit. I was kind of bored. It just moved really slow compared to what I was used to before.”
Isaacson said owning a small neighborhood shop was always in the back of her mind. So she decided to do a 180 in her career and try something new.
“These little neighborhood gift shops have been disappearing,” said Isaacson, who admitted that running a gift shop isn’t a big money maker, but there’s more to it than that.
“I love learning new things. I love being my own boss, and it’s fulfilling being part of the community.”
Own a shop? Add Dandles Candles to your retail location by becoming a wholesale partner. Discover wholesale pricing, order pick-up perks, and early access to seasonal collections.