This month, we’re delighted to have a bit of a Q&A with the very lovely Cheyney McDonnell, the creative mind behind the luxury candle and soap company Camille Co. I first met Cheyney at a local market many months ago – Camille Co. was just finding her feet but this girl had plans. Since she joined Green Elephant, we’ve kept in touch and it’s normally a good day when we receive an email from Cheyney!! She just has that ‘thing’ that makes you smile. She’s a true girl boss and so super organised you wouldn’t believe. Oh…and she has an ongoing love affair (obsession) with peanut butter. We don’t judge.
This month we are all about Christmas so of course, our Q&A must follow suit!! Enjoy xx
What’s your favourite tradition at Christmas time?
Decorating the Christmas tree! Every year since I was a little girl, Mum has brought my brother and me a new ornament. I love that this tradition didn’t phase out as I got older. I still look forward to each new decoration and putting it up on the Christmas tree. Mum and I have always decorated the tree together (a tradition I don’t think my brother is as keen on). We put on carols and reminisce over my decorations from previous years.
Just on a side note, my least favourite tradition is having to take down the Christmas tree. De-decoration time, da da duuuuum.
When I have children I think I will start a new tradition where de-decorating the tree is as fun as decorating it.
[Editors note: We feel the same….. Life is so boring after the tree gets taken down…]
You’ve travelled a lot…so there must have been a time when you weren’t at home for Christmas. Where have you ended up and what made your ‘Away From Home’ Christmas special??
I have only spent one Christmas out of NZ. I come from a big family and we have a family Christmas each year. It was almost unbearable to miss a family Christmas but I had to have one white Christmas.
I spent my 2013 Christmas in BC (Canada). I have two ‘Canadian families’ (close family friends) and I was lucky enough to spend time with both of them. Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere is magic. It’s just like in the movies. Snow, pine trees, open fires, hot drinks and knitted sweaters. It put all the commercial stuff that trickles down to this end of the world into context. I mean, open fires, hot drinks and a Kiwi Christmas? Not a good match.
My ‘Canadian Mum’ Kerrie, whose family I spent Christmas Day with, made everything special. She bought me an ornament (like my Mum does every year) and we decorated the tree together. Santa spoiled me on Christmas morning! Spending Christmas with them was as good as spending Christmas here. Although I missed my family, it was an exciting and fun alternative.
Some of my ‘Canadian family’ will be here for Christmas this year. I can’t WAIT for them to experience a Kiwi Christmas. It will be a shock for them, for sure!
What’s your Best Ever Christmas food..?? (You can’t say Peanut Butter…)
You know I’m a sucker for Peanut Butter! Mmmmmm so many good foods to choose from. I’m going to have to go with chocolate dipped strawberries. I love fruit, I love chocolate and I love that they’re Christmas colours! Mince pies are always a popular choice with our family too!
How do you normally spend Christmas??
With the family – whoever is in the country at the time. We usually have some friends join us too (who are family). Christmas eve is PARTY time with the cousins and friends. On Christmas morning my immediate family has breakfast and exchanges gifts. We then head to the house of whoever is hosting the family dinner. We eat, drink and be merry.
I come from a musical family which means that we always have live carols. Uncles and cousins get out their brass instruments and treat the neighbourhood to a show. It is well received by everyone and it’s something that sets our Christmas apart.
We only have a couple of little ones in our family so we try make it extra special for them. (Uncle) Santa often makes an appearance and either delights or terrifies the kids.
Boxing day is party time again. We spend 3 days together and I love it.
Which Camille Co. beauty flies off the shelf quickest at Christmas and why do think that is..??
Ohhhhh, good question. You know what? I had to go back and look at the sales and they all fly off at the same rate. I’m happy that the stock moves at a similar rate because it shows that there is something for everyone.
If I have to choose one that I think is the most Christmassy, I choose Ginger and Wild Honeysuckle. It has notes of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg and these scents all remind me of Christmas. Well, Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere 😉
Camille Co. is 1 year old…what do you hope for her in her second year..??
I can’t believe it, it only seems like yesterday that we were gearing up for our first Christmas in business! I hope that we continue to build our brand and lovely customer base. We are working to extend the range so I hope that comes to fruition by the middle of the year. You will have to watch this space 😉
Cheyney’s Christmas sounds amazing don’t you think…?? Thanks so much to Cheyney for taking the time to be in the spotlight and sharing her Christmas traditions with us. We’d love to hear what your favourite Christmas tradition is too…so head on over to our Facebook page, comment on the post and you could be in to win a Ginger and Wild Honeysuckle luxury soap from Camille Co. And of course the full Camille Co. range of luxury soaps and soy candles are available from the Camille Co. Store on greenelephant.co.nz
