How Family Fueled Gluttony Candles and Lit A Fire
They say hard work never killed anyone, but I’ve got a few family members who’ve come dangerously close. Growing up in a family where "idle hands" were considered the devil's workshop, there was no shortage of tasks to keep us busy. Whether it was my mum wielding her rolling pin like a warrior (her baking skills are legendary) or my dad fixing things that may or may not have needed fixing, we were raised on the belief that if you worked hard enough, you could move mountains—or at least tackle the pile of ironing that a family of nine had no problem growing (that was my Saturday morning chore for too may years). It’s no wonder that, years later, myself and a few others ended up in the chaotic world of small business, still convinced that sheer determination (and possibly some caffeine or adult beverage) would push us forward. Turns out, the Murphrees don’t know how to sit still either—and thank goodness for that!
Creativity & Small Business runs in the family—but so does chaos.
What do you get when you mix a butcher, baker, candle maker, a wrap star, and a designer of angels? You get the Murphree family—creative minds who don’t believe in half-measures. At Gluttony Candles, collaborations run deep, not just with chefs and artisans, but with family too. It's safe to say creativity flows in our blood, even if it leaves us a bit exhausted at times (and maybe fueled by more than a few cups of strong tea).
Let me introduce you to some of the stars in our constellation:
The Original Muse: Judy Murphree
Long before candles filled the air with mouthwatering scents or our wrapping papers burst with vibrant colors, there was Judy Murphree. Judy left her creative mark on pretty much everything she touched, but the world may know her for her white clay creations and 13 stunning angels and hearts. Each angel clasped a unique item—whether it was a harp (the symbol for Ireland), a butterfly, or a candle. These pure white angels became symbols of hope and beauty. These delicate angel and heart ornaments she designed for hospice as a way to assist them in fundraising efforts.
Her studio (AKA: family living room), once overtaken by these angels, had to be moved into a charming old cottage (because, of course, creativity waits for no man—or house). Judy’s influence lingers, and although she’s no longer with us, we like to think of her as our very own guardian angel, watching over her creative clan with pride.
Chief Wrap Star: Cassie Kruemcke
Fast forward to the next generation—meet Cassie, Judy’s daughter and Bryce’s super-talented sister. Cassie is the creative force behind WirrWarr Wraps (yes, that tongue twister is German for ‘fun chaos’). She’s a graphic designer who spent over 25 years designing iconic brand campaigns (including Gluttony Candles) before taking the plunge into the colorful world of gift wrapping.
Cassie’s wrapping classes are the stuff of legends. She can teach you how to make even the most boring gift look like something out of an art gallery—no fear of clashing patterns here, it’s all about the bold and the brave. WirrWarr Wraps took off in 2020, expanding into its very own line of paper and accessories. It’s all about joy, creativity, and a healthy dose of funky fun. Cassie believes that wrapping a gift should be just as exciting as the gift itself—and honestly, with her designs, that’s not hard to believe.
It's just a pity her SIL (yes, that's me) fails every Christmas and shames the family name!!
"It's so pretty, I think I want to frame it" ~ TOO MANY PEOPLE TO COUNT
Enter Merrill: Gamey Pins and More
Of course, it doesn’t stop there. Even our niece and Cassie's daughter, Merril has joined the creative fray with her own small business making gamey pins and more. It seems
the Murphree legacy is in good hands, continuing to grow and expand as we pass
down a little chaos (and a lot of creativity) from one generation to the next.
The Butcher, Baker, Candle Maker: Bryce Murphree
And then there’s my better half, Bryce. By day, a chef whipping up dishes that’ll have you questioning all your life choices (in a good way), and by the afternoon, a candle maker who somehow managed to make ‘Wild Arugula’ a scent people actually love and crave...I kid you not!!
Bryce has always been driven by his creative energy, whether he’s experimenting with new candle scents or crafting a perfect cut of brisket. He might be juggling more roles than anyone should, but it’s what makes Gluttony Candles, well, Gluttony Candles.
A Family Affair—and Beyond
Here’s the thing: when you start a small business, you don’t just build a brand—you build a community. And for us, that community includes family. We aren’t just collaborating with small businesses for the sake of it; we’re working with people who inspire us, who challenge us, and who (let’s be honest) keep us sane in this crazy world of entrepreneurship.
As we travel from market to market, we’ll be highlighting even more small businesses we work beside in the DFW area and maybe a wee bit beyond. After all, supporting each other and understanding some of the day-to-day struggles is what it’s all about. We may not have all the answers, but we’ve got a whole lot of creativity, grit, and a good sense of humor to see us through.
From kitchen tables to market stalls—building dreams one project at a time
So at the end of the day, our collaborations are more than just business partnerships—they’re partnerships rooted in family, in shared creative madness, and in a passion for making something extraordinary. And if you ask me, there’s something uniquely satisfying about knowing that every candle we hand-pour, every product we wrap, and every scent we create is a piece of our family’s legacy and an ode to those no longer with us.
Hard work, a little sarcasm, and a whole lot of creativity.
Because, as any Irish family worth their salt will tell you, we’re nothing if not fiercely supportive of each other’s wild ideas—even if we do poke fun while we’re at it. (You can take the Irish out of Ireland, but you’ll never take the sarcasm out of an Irish family.)
So, here’s to creative minds, small businesses, and the occasional bit of chaos. After all, where’s the fun without it?
We'd love to know your favorite small business. Share a name or a link in comments and we may just feature them in some of our upcoming blog posts and social media.
For now check out our Website - Christmas is coming fast and we are taking Corporate Orders, so don't be shy! Or come visit us at one of the fun upcoming events highlighted above.
Not a wrap star yourself, then we got you covered (pun intended!). WirrWarr Wraps doesn't mind lending a hand, but don't delay.
Very good Mags. I enjoyed that wee read.