Our Story
How it started...
And Everything Nice owner/operator, Erica Norton, has had a flare for crafting and creating from an early age. In 2007, after the birth of her first daughter, strangers began to take notice of her artistic ability. Unsatisfied with the size and price of hair bows offered in stores, Erica began fashioning baby headbands for her little girl. Soon, other mothers began complimenting the hair accessories and inquiring as to how they may purchase them for their own daughters. However, occasional hair bow orders took a back seat to being a full-time mother, as did the requests from friends and family for handmade items like diaper cakes, hand painted home decor, wreaths, and personalized picture frames.
In 2013, Erica found herself flat broke, as a single mother to three young children, who could not afford to buy Christmas gifts for her family members. It was then, she decided to try her hand at candle-making; a gift she felt most anyone would enjoy. Unaware of the specific, scientific calculations behind producing the perfect candle, her first batch was a complete flop. However, as a self-proclaimed perfectionist who refused to fail, Erica put in hours upon hours of research in attempt to discover what elements contributed to making the perfect candle. Through years of research, calculations, trial and error, documentation, and feedback from family and friends, she eventually found the perfect formula for her brand. Although her unwavering passion for crafting and creating remained consistent, being a mother to multiple children with rare health disorders took precedence over marketing her products and opening her own business.
How it's going...
By 2021, through the grace of God, the frequent visits to out-of-town specialists and extended hospital stays for her children had slowed down considerably. With support and encouragement from her husband, Erica felt ready to showcase her talent and began participating as a vendor at local craft fairs. Her soy candles, nearly a decade in the making, were an instant hit with customers. Since 2021, And Everything Nice has continued to expand. Erica consistently devotes a substantial amount of time to creating impeccable candles in a wide variety of scents, in addition to developing business strategies in order to amplify the And Everything Nice brand.
MEET THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BRAND
My name is Erica Norton
I am blessed to be able to raise my six children in a home located in the middle of nowhere, at the end of a long gravel drive, surrounded by corn fields and woodlines, in my little hometown in Indiana. While I understand country living may not be everyone's cup of tea, my husband and I enjoy the peace and solitude this setting provides us. We raise our children with traditional values and can oftentimes be viewed as old-fashioned. We teach them to have a strong work ethic, to show respect and address adults as "sir" or "ma'am," to stand up for what they believe in, and to love the Lord.
I am extremely close to my small, extended family and therefore very grateful that most members live within walking distance of our home, all on the same road! I cherish the summertime, when I can spend the most time outside with my family. Around here, it's swimming and snowcones during the day, then watching outdoor movies in the front yard and sitting by the fire with my sweetheart at night. I am an avid lover of Labrador Retrievers, education, organization, decorating, and of course... crafting and candle making.
