DIANE BIANCHI shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
DIANE, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
When I am not working my full time job with Eastern Nephrology Associates, or attending vendor events with my home business Sugar Shack Creations, you can find me volunteering at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. It brings me so much joy to witness sick and debilitated sea turtles get treated until healthy and then released back into the ocean.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Diane Bianchi and I am the owner of Sugar Shack Creations where I sell handmade cold process soap, lotions, salves , bath tea and lip balm. I started my small in home business in 2017 while still living in Western New York. In the very beginning I was making dandelion lotion and lip balm for family and friends. Eventually I started adding other herbal products and cold process soap.
In 2020 at the age of 55, I decided to go back to school to study herbalism at the Herbal Academy of New England. I wanted to gain a deeper knowledge of the herbs and oils I use in my products. Everything is made in small batches with simple and natural ingredients, no artificial fragrances and little preservatives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My father passed away in May of 2020 during the pandemic outbreak. My youngest son and I drove cross country from Western New York to my father’s home in Las Vegas Nevada to settle his estate. After 2 weeks we were just starting our journey home when we saw that the Grand Canyon National Park was going to open for just a few hours and allow admission. We had never been there before so we made a side trip and got in while the gates were still open. I stood at the edge of the South Rim in total awe and actually moved to tears by the breathtaking view. In that moment, I realized how lucky I was to be able to witness this natural beauty, especially with the national stay at home recommendations. That is when I decided to live my best life everyday. Since then my son and I visit one National Park every year and will continue to do so until I am eventually too old to travel.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
September 2023 I was just getting back into selling my products at vendor shows after my relocation to Surf City from Western New York. I had a very full schedule of events.
Then on September 26, I got the call that no parent ever wants to receive. My 34 year old daughter Kelley passed away unexpectedly. I took several weeks off from both my full time job as well as the vendor shows and sales. It was hard to get back to real life with a broken heart. The first vendor event when I returned to work was Goosebumps In The Grove at Poplar Grove Plantation. It was a two day family event with children in costumes and Trick or Treating. I was a little worried this event would bring up memories of my children at Halloween and cause me to get emotional or break down. As it turned out, seeing all these families having fun really warmed my heart.
As my healing journey progressed, I decided I wanted to use my small business to benefit others. September 2024 marked the one year anniversary of losing my daughter. I created a limited edition of flower shaped Shea Butter soaps and called them Flowers For Survivors. I sold out of all these soaps in 10 days and donated all the money to Safe Haven of Pender County, a domestic violence agency/shelter in Kelley’s memory.
This year we created the Kelley Bianchi Memorial Scholarship. It is awarded to a graduating senior at Kenmore East High School in the Ken-Ton District of Western New York. To help fund the scholarship I have created a limited edition Orange Chocolate Lip Balm. It will be introduced in September on the second angelversary with a special purple label for domestic violence awareness. The money raised from all the sales will go to the scholarship fund.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I strongly believe in always being my true authentic self!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I love to be out in the natural world and ” just be”. It varies from watching a sunrise or sunset on the beach, to watching a sea turtle nest hatch, to forest bathing in a National park. It gets me grounded, recharges my energy and always brings on a sense of peace.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/dss.creations
- Facebook: Diane’s Sugar Shack Creations
- Other: Email: [email protected]
