I spent many years as a Talent Acquisition Manager in the corporate office of a Retailer with a focus on Personalized Gifts. In this role, I interviewed and interacted with so many creative candidates in various departments. I loved hearing about their passion for their work and how fulfilling it was to create something truly special for our customers. I longed to feel that kind of passion for the work I was doing… So, I chose to take a risk and venture out on my own.

My husband had spent years collecting unique wine and liquor bottles, so we had a basement full of them, to begin with. I loved the idea of re-purposing them so they would not end up in our landfills. I also noticed how much people love to entertain and were expanding their outdoor living spaces, so I decided to make these gorgeous bottles into Tiki Torches!

Thinking back to the beginning, my first attempts were almost comical. So, I went to work looking for the highest quality of wicks by testing over a dozen different manufacturers until I found the one that stayed lit during high winds and slight drizzle. I then searched for the best hardware and paint that would withstand any type of climate. But I still was not satisfied. Something was still missing. At my shows, I would have customers state, “Oh, so you just put a decal on a bottle?” I needed to up my game.

I took a class on epoxy resin and incorporated that into my work. The learning curve on this was huge, but once I got it down, I realized how nicely the resin sealed in the decals and made the colors pop, all while adding extra durability and protection against the elements.

I further expanded into new variations, including hydro-dip, adding mica powders, acrylic paints, and alcohol inks. These methods give you a true one-of-a-kind Tiki Torch as two can never come out the same. The possibilities are infinite-just like Pi!

For full inventory available (over 500 styles) please visit my website at https://www.pidesignz.com