Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Crofoot (Flontek).
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I first moved to DC, I worked in those steady-but-not-exactly-thrilling contract roles—the kind that keep the lights on but don’t spark a whole lot of joy. So, of course, I always had a side thing going. I owned a little home-goods shop, dabbled in the events world whenever I could, and found myself gravitating toward anything that involved people, creativity, and making spaces feel welcoming. Even while I was buried in my computer by day, I was chasing that energy and excitement that comes from being around events and the people who make them happen.
There’s something about events that feels alive. People gather. Stories unfold. And the environment—the details—really matter.
That pull toward atmosphere and experience is what eventually led me to candlelight.
Most venues don’t allow open-flame candles, and the typical alternatives never felt right. Harsh, plastic-looking LED options completely changed the mood, stripping away the warmth and intimacy that real candlelight naturally brings.
Then I spent time in Denmark, and everything clicked. I became fascinated by the way candlelight is used there to foster connection and comfort—an everyday expression of hygge. Candles flicker in windows, glow on dinner tables, and soften the edges of life. They make simple moments feel meaningful.
When I came home, I wanted to bring that same feeling to events here. But I quickly realized how difficult it was when real flames weren’t allowed.
So I started searching for something better.
That’s when I found beautifully crafted, real-wax LED candles—flameless, yes, but genuinely full of soul. They flicker softly, photograph beautifully, and elevate a space without the worry of fire, mess, or melted wax.
Today, through Nines and Co., I get to merge everything I’ve always been drawn to: creating atmosphere, connecting with people, and adding beauty to moments that matter. We rent these candles to weddings, events, and venues across the country—anywhere that deserves warmth, style, and practicality.
Because lighting shouldn’t just be a detail. It should be part of the experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a straight path—definitely more unconventional than planned—but looking back, everything I’ve done has built on the thing before it. Every role, every pivot, every side project gave me skills I didn’t realize I was collecting. And now, almost 15 years in, it finally makes sense. It feels like everything has led me right here and given me exactly what I need to make this dream a reality.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
If there’s one thing that sets me apart, it’s how seriously I take customer service. Whether I’m the one delivering it or experiencing it, I pay attention—and I bring that mindset into every job I’ve had. Over time, it helped me understand something important about myself: I thrive when I’m working with people face-to-face, sharing in their excitement, and staying on the move. I’m not built for a desk-only life. I’m happiest when I’m hands-on and helping make something special happen.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m genuinely so excited to build this business and see where it leads. The event industry is full of the most beautiful, creative, generous people, and being part of that world feels like such a gift. Working with weddings especially means I get to meet couples on one of the most meaningful and exciting days of their lives. There’s something incredibly special about being invited into that moment and getting to bring a little extra light—literally and figuratively—to their celebration. It fuels me, inspires me, and reminds me exactly why I’m doing this.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninesandco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninesandcoofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninesandco/
