Mother-Daughter Duo Converts Grapevine Formal Rooms Into Bespoke Business

For Cheryl and Caitlyn Stewart, there’s nothing more special than a scent that evokes a memory. They’ve spent decades curating both in their Grapevine home, with everything from seasonal décor to family traditions tied to a smell either woman would recognize instantly. For the last five years, the mother-daughter duo has been sharing that passion with friends and customers through hand-poured candles and bespoke gifts.

Southern Charm Farmhouse, established in March 2021, launched at the height of an entrepreneurship boom brought on by economic disruption during the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the company was more of an exciting hobby than a true startup. Three women – Cheryl, her youngest daughter, and a daughter-in-law who has since moved away – who were chasing an idea they were equally excited about. None of them expected the idea to keep growing.

Now, it’s taken over their living room.

A Little Warmth for Everyday Life

So-called Cottage Industries aren’t new to the American economy, but interest in side hustles and stay-at-home entrepreneurship has been rising for years. The pandemic undeniably fueled that trend, pushing families to explore hobbies around the house while looking for ways to supplement their income. But it’s important to remember that tight budgets and analog crafts aren’t the only trend at play here.

Consumers have grown increasingly interested in handicrafts, local sourcing, nostalgic products, and artisan workmanship. The handmade goods market has expanded at a record pace of late, with a recent report valuing the category at $268 billion dollars. At the confluence of those trends, online platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon’s burgeoning Handmade store have made launching an in-home business easier and more accessible than ever. Arguably, the Stewart family entered the market with perfect timing… even though that was never the goal.

“We started Southern Charm Farmhouse in March 2021 with a love for candles and the way a beautiful fragrance can make a house feel like home,” Cheryl said. “We wanted to create candles that not only smelled wonderful but also brought a little warmth and comfort into everyday life. As the business grew, we expanded beyond our hand-poured candles to offer wax melts, room sprays, linen sprays, and car perfumes. We wanted our customers to be able to enjoy their favorite fragrances in different ways throughout their homes and even on the go.

“Most recently, we've added our Tea & Rituals collection, featuring specialty teas and cozy gift sets paired with our candles. It's another way of bringing that same feeling of comfort and relaxation into the home. Through it all, we've stayed true to our original idea: creating little moments that make a house feel like home.”

Of all the houses transformed, the Stewarts' might be the most visibly impacted. Cheryl was born here in Grapevine, and returned decades ago. Caitlyn was born and raised in the home that became their studio.

Their House is a Business that Helps Your Feel Like Home

Candle making is an accessible-if time-consuming art. Batches can take over an hour to prep and often need longer to cool and cure before they can be shipped. At a hobby level, that’s fairly manageable. But as Southern Charm Farmhouse orders rolled in, the need for a full studio space became apparent. 

“We've turned our formal dining room and part of our formal living room into our candle-making workspace. I really enjoy organizing and finding new ways to make everything work better, but I wouldn't say we have it completely down to a science just yet!” said Cheryl. “The biggest challenge is making the most of every inch of space while creating a smooth workflow, from making candles to labeling, packaging, and preparing orders. The most rewarding part is seeing everything come together, from all the supplies and fragrances to a finished product that's ready to make its way into someone's home.”

Curious customers can scan the company’s social media profiles for behind-the-scenes videos that show just how meticulously organized the collection has become. Individual components are neatly sorted and organized, while scented oils have to be catalogued and protected from cross-exposure. The last thing anyone wants is a Christmas candle with lingering hints of someone else’s Halloween bundle! Despite the effort involved, both women have learned to love the process… and found their own favorite scents along the way.

“We definitely have different favorites!” said Cheryl. “Mine is Spa Day, while Caitlyn loves Pink Sugar. But my favorite orders to prepare are the ones where customers choose a variety of fragrances across different products. I love putting those orders together, imagining the customer opening their package, smiling, and hopefully loving everything they chose. But what makes it even more special is getting to share this little business with my youngest daughter… we both treasure that time, and it's one of the things that makes Southern Charm Farmhouse so special to us.”

While both women enjoy the process, they’re quick to admit that each has their own area of expertise. Cheryl tends to focus more on the business side of things, including marketing and day-to-day operations, while Caitlyn’s love of the candle-making process makes her the primary hands behind the artisan label. But they approach the process as a true team, generating new ideas and supporting each other in the effort to make them happen.

Retail Partnerships and Holiday Plans

As you might expect, this time of year is particularly important for the Stewart family. Candles are popular gifts, and seasonal scents give Southern Charm Farmhouse a chance to expand their product line. While the team has a collection for each of the four seasons and a group of “everyday favorites,” they put extra effort into two particular holidays: Halloween and Christmas.

“We love celebrating the changing seasons at Southern Charm Farmhouse!” Cheryl said. “We enjoy transforming our website into a cozy Christmas boutique filled with holiday fragrances, gift sets, and little touches that make shopping feel festive and special. Our approach really grew from our love of decorating for the seasons and the way certain fragrances bring back memories. We want our customers to experience that same feeling, whether it's a fresh scent for spring, something warm and cozy for fall, or the familiar fragrances that make Christmas feel like home.”

The family is already preparing for a busy Christmas environment, with multiple kids and grandchildren scheduled to be on hand for festivities this year. When asked about balancing precious family rituals against the surge in demand at her boutique, however, Cheryl wasn’t worried.

“We're looking forward to having everyone together, spending time with the kids and grandkids, and making wonderful memories,” she said. “Of course, we'll also be busy preparing Christmas orders and helping our customers find special gifts for their loved ones. It's a busy time of year, but one we really enjoy!”

There’s a good chance you’ll spot the family enjoying yuletide events around Grapevine this year, and their products are available to test and to buy at Roses on the Vine in the historic district. Shoppers can always drop by for a whiff of Christmas magic or order directly from the company’s online store. Who knows? Maybe the Stewarts’ housewarming scents will become part of your family traditions, too.

For more stories about unique individuals and businesses here in Grapevine, be sure to subscribe to the ‘Growing Grapevine’ podcast and eNewsletter. Got a passion project of your own? Let’s talk about where Grapevine fits into your plans.