We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandria Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandria, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018, right when my husband and I were thinking of starting a family. We were thankfully able to go through a quick egg retrieval process before I had a hysterectomy and tumor removal, so we could have the chance to have a child of our own through surrogacy one day. With the price of the surrogacy process, I was looking for a creative way to help us towards our goal. I have always been crafty, and loved to create, so I decided to try a hand at my own business in decorative candles. Both painting and candles are a love of mine that I have dabbled in, and thought to join them together and create unique decorative candles would be perfect, with all of the proceeds going towards our journey to parenthood.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always loved making gifts for others, and want to share that with the world! As someone who has ADD, to do well in school and work I was constantly doodling and drawing to maintain concentration. As I improved my skills, I decided to try different methods and mediums in my spare time. I had a hard journey with confidence growing up, and with the life hit of not being able to have children of my own, it was hard to find my purpose in life. I threw everything into my art for something to concentrate on and used it as a therapeutic process. As I started getting compliments and people requesting to purchase some of my candles, it has really boosted my confidence in both my art and my life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love downtown McKinney! We go there often for a small town feel on a weekend. Definitely visit the Groovy Coop for some neat gifts, and The Mechantile for amazing teas. The Pie Emporium is a cute place with the most delicious pies, and Cadillacs has great live music on Friday nights to go with their outstanding pizza. Ricks’ Chophouse is great for date nights and celebrations, and it’s nestled in the Grand Hotel, which is a 100 year old hotel renovated with such great custom rooms. Also don’t forget to stop by Landon Winery and sample the delicious local wines!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother, Ashley Cassell! She ended her long time career of owning her own daycare business to pursue her passion of stained glass. She has an Etsy store that is thriving, BlueFeatherGlass, and he is truly an inspiration. She has always thrown everything at her passions, and has taught me to do the same. Without her, I wouldn’t have the courage to pursue my own.

Website: https://TealGiftCo.etsy.com

Instagram: @tealgiftco

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