Gilbert’s Laurie Guidi is the co-owner of Scottsdale Quarter-based candle-making company, Candle Chemistry, alongside her twin brother, husband and sister-in-law. (Sage & Saguaro and Cactus Flower are our favorite scents from Candle Chemistry’s Our Desert collection!) Learn about Laurie Guidi…
Hometown: As a child (all the way up through high school), we moved around a lot. I was born in California, then moved to Henderson, NV, then Phoenix, Tucson, back to California then back to Phoenix for good. I met my husband when I was 19, and we got married almost 10 years later at the Phoenix Art Museum. We decided very early on that we would find a home, start a family and plant roots, so we chose Gilbert. We love it, and our children love it.
First job: At 14 (10th grade), I worked as a nanny every day after school for a family in California (the Scapellatis). I did that for about a year until we moved back to Arizona
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: We love to travel and explore outdoors – especially when it’s hot outside. My parents have a second home in Pinetop-Lakeside, so we love to visit them (a k a Grandma and Papa) and enjoy the cooler weather.
Person who has impacted your life the most and why: My “Womb-mate” Ron! My twin brother and I have been inseparable since birth. I can depend on him for anything and everything. He is my best friend (next to my husband, of course) and business partner for life. I would not be where I am today without his brilliance and “thinking outside the box” kind of mindset.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes and why: My two beautiful girls, Mia and Giuliana. I look at them every day and am in awe that we created two perfect (in my mind) beings! I am so proud of the independent, loving and strong humans they are becoming.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: The working mom/wife balance! It was a true inner-struggle for me for years. I had a constant guilt that I was either letting my girls and hubby down for not being there enough or vice-versa letting my work down. This was why I (for so many years) was trying to come up with my own concept and business that would allow me to do it all.
Someone who inspires you and why: My entire family. To tell your family you’re going to quit your job (of almost 14 years) to start a “candle biz” is quite frightening and for everyone (and I mean EVERY.ONE.) to be so encouraging and supportive is so inspiring beyond my wildest dreams. It gives me the fire and the motivation to keep going—even during these scary COVID times. So a big thank you to my mom and dad, Ron and Salina, Tracy and Joby, Chris, Mia and Giuliana and everyone else!
Favorite quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” —Walt Disney
What you think makes someone fabulous: Authenticity. A person that shows their real self, real flaws, real and raw emotions.