INTERVIEW: Alexis Stefanacci of Old McDonald Roadhouse

Interview by Joshua Scarselli.

Everyone knows the Troy Farmers Market. Not everyone knows we have one right here in Albany. Running during the summer through September you can visit the Washington Park Farmers Market for a wide range of products and services. From clothing and fresh bread to massages, candles and tarot card readings, there’s something for everyone at the Washington Park Farmers  Market.

Alexis Stefanacci is a vendor at the farmers market. She owns Old McDonald Roadhouse where she sells candles and does tarot reading. Alexis sat down to tell us a little about her business and what she does.

RRX: Let’s start by telling us a little about yourself.

AS: I am a wearer of many hats. I’d like to say I do it all because I am a Mother, Wife, Nurse, Childbirth Educator, Vet Tech, Candle Maker, Tarot Card Reader and Yoga Instructor.

I am dedicated to nurturing, healing, and guiding through multiple facets of life. Passionate about creating, educating, and empowering others on their journeys while exploring the intersections of wellness, creativity, and family life.

RRX: How did you decide to open a candle business?

AS: I was having a hard time finding a soy candle that burned well and had a great scent throw. I was in nursing school during the pandemic and it started as a hobby.  I began trialing a few different types of wax and fragrance combos and eventually created a candle that I loved. Soon, I found myself laid off from work and decided to sell candles as a way to make some money to get by.

RRX: How long have you been making candles for?

AS: I started playing around with the idea in the Summer of 2020 and officially started selling candles in 2021.

RRX: Can you explain a little about your process?

AS: I created candles from soy wax that is melted. Once it reaches the appropriate temperature, I add the fragrance oil, pour the wax, and let it cure for two weeks before burning. This time allows the fragrance and the wax to bind together for optimal scent throw.

RRX: How are soy candles superior to other types?

AS: I use a proprietary blend of premium soy wax that is able to withstand high shelf temperatures and clean burning oils. Soy wax is created from soybeans and paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil making soy wax a more eco-friendly choice. The fragrance oils I use are free from toxins and safer for people and pets.

RRX: What are your favorite scents?

AS: I love so many scents that’s why I always have a large selection. My favorite for the fall is Macintosh. It is fresh and fruity and smells exactly like a crisp apple on a beautiful fall day.

RRX: Where can people buy your candles?

AS: I take orders through my website and ship anywhere the mail goes (www.OldMcDonaldRoadhouse.com). For in person purchasing, I am at the Washington Park Farmer’s Market on Saturdays throughout September, the Upper Madison Street Fair, and other seasonal pop-up events.

RRX: How did you decide to incorporate tarot into your business?

AS: I have been reading for friends and family for years and decided to start offering readings to the public this year. The farmer’s market seemed like a good place to see if there was interest and it has been working so far.

RRX: What types of reading and spreads do you use?

AS: I do all kinds of readings but most people do not have a specific question for the tarot but rather just want to see what comes up. I mostly use deck’s based off of Rider Waite Smith but have also studied the Thoth deck.

For spreads, I use the Celtic Cross most often, followed by three card spreads, the tree of life, and a technique known as the opening of the key which is a really in depth and long tarot reading.

RRX:  What approach do you take with reading? Are you more traditional where you take the common meaning of the cards or do you read what they say in the moment of the reading?

AS: I am a divinator who incorporates traditional meanings of the cards with my intuition. There are many layers to the cards that go beyond the traditional meanings and include numerology, astrology and more.

RRX: What decks do you prefer to read with and which is your favorite?

AS: I prefer to read cards that are based off of the Rider Waite Smith deck. My favorite is the Light Seers Tarot, followed by Druid Craft Tarot and Golden Tarot.

RRX: How long have you been reading and what first got you into it?

AS: I have been reading since Middle school, but very irregularly and then more frequently in college and even more regularly in the past several years. I was first drawn to tarot after watching The Craft when I was younger. I have gotten some really great readings that inspired me to go deeper into my studies.

RRX: Where can people have them read for you?

AS: Currently, I read at the Farmers  Market and other pop-up events. Soon, virtual (zoom) bookings will be available through my site. If interested in booking a private in-person session, people can always reach out via my website.

You can find Alexis at the Washington Park Farmers Market September 21 & 28. She will also be at the Upper Madison Street Fair on September 29. If you can make it to one of these events you can buy her candles and reach her for a private reading at www.OldMcDonaldRoadhouse.com.

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