So you’ve been introduced to Oli and now it’s my turn to go under quick fire questioning with a meet the maker Q&A. I’ll try and keep it short and sweet (*Oli rolls eyes*)…
1. What were you doing before you started the Home County Candle Co.?
My background is in Events Management and event sales – my first ‘proper job’ was events sales manager at a golf club in Rickmansworth which is where I first worked with Oli before I left to go travelling. I’ve moved around a bit since but now work full time alongside running the business for a Brand Engagement Agency in Chilton called FMI.
2. When you’re not making candles what are you doing?
I’m very close to my family so on the weekends when I’m not exhibiting at shows I’m normally spending time with them. I’ve got two sisters and two nieces so a girls’ day out is always on the cards!
I also think there’s no better way to let your hair down than with a good rave – I need it every now and then what with working full time and running the business!
3. What is your favourite Home County Candle Co. product and why?
I chop and change all the time but at the moment it has to be The Suffolk reed diffuser – I love a clean, citrus scent anyway and when we have it in the bedroom I can smell it as I walk up the stairs – I love it!
In Autumn it has to be The Hampshire candle, I love that it’s darker and more ‘woody’, and then in winter I’m a Mulled Wine girl.
4. what is your best and worst part of the candle making process?
My favourite part of the process is definitely boxing up the candles. I set myself up a little production line and then I can sit in front of the TV for hours making our candles look pretty in their gift boxes. I love all the little touches like adding the gold specked paper, candle care card and wood wool. I also think I like the feeling that it’s the final step of the process, so it feels like I’m finishing the job!
This may sound strange for a candle maker but probably my least favourite part is pouring – I don’t have a steady hand and I always feel pressure when I’m left in charge of pouring. I should probably work on that!
5. what is the best and worst thing about running your own business?
For me the best thing has to be the feeling of creating a brand that I’m proud of. I’ve always been really into branding and it literally blows my mind that we create products at home that people love to use in their own homes. The scope of it really excites me and getting positive feedback on our products is such a great feeling. I may regret saying this but I’m also a bit of a geek so actually enjoy all the admin that comes with it too – spreadsheets are my fave!
I won’t lie, I’m not the best under pressure and sometimes the worst thing can be that I feel like I’m spreading myself too thin between working, making candles, exhibiting at shows and trying to spend time with friends and family (don’t even get me started on trying to make it to the gym and do the housework – always bottom of my list!). When I have my wobbles though I always remember why we started, which was to build something we could be proud of together, and get my head down and crack on!
The Lancashire Candle
Candle | £25
Ditch the petrol station bouquet in favour of a rose-scented hand-poured soy candle. They last longer, smell better, and they are perfect for setting the scene for a romantic at-home date night.
Han-poured in small batches using 100% natural soy wax, this Red Rose & Patchouli scented candle is the perfect choice for a romantic date night.
The perfect accompaniment to a candle? Matches, of course.
As any candle lover will tell you, the act of lighting a candle after a long day is a ritual in itself. This elegant glass bottle filled with long-length safety matches is a beautiful accessory that will stand proud beside your red rose and patchouli soy candle.
For a Valentine’s gift that will last, opt for one of our floral reed diffusers. The delicate lavender and chamomile fragrance of The Surrey diffuser will gently scent your home for 4-6 months, and the glass bottle itself can be used long beyond thanks to our eco-friendly refills.
A subtle and relaxing floral blend, The Surrey scent boasts notes of fragrant lavender, calming chamomile, and a gentle touch of sweet vanilla.
What better gift to give your sweet pea than The Shropshire 3-wick? Inspired by the lush pink bloom that was engineered in the market town of Wem, our sweet pea scent has sweet, floral top notes and base notes of warm woods and vanilla.
With a burn time of 75 hours, our luxurious triple wick candles make for a beautiful centrepiece on your Valentine’s tablescape. A thoughtful and indulgent way of saying “I love you”.
A thoughtful gift for the one who does it all; treat your loved one to a long soak in a hot bath with our Dead Sea bath salts.
Inspired by the sea salt and wood sage scent of a coastal clifftop walk, The Coast bath salts are rich in essential minerals like magnesium to help soothe tired muscles and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce swelling.A thoughtful gift for the one who does it all; treat your loved one to a long soak in a hot bath with our Dead Sea bath salts.
Inspired by the sea salt and wood sage scent of a coastal clifftop walk, The Coast bath salts are rich in essential minerals like magnesium to help soothe tired muscles and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce swelling.
