Meet The Maker: Oli

Our blog is full of our candles, our inspirations and our show schedules but we realise we never really talk about ourselves (and rightly so – we wouldn’t want to bore you)! We thought though that it was about time we introduced the people behind the candles, so we’ll start with a quick Q&A with Oli!

1. What were you doing before you started the Home County Candle Co.?

My background is in sales management and just before we started the business I was working in certification and compliance – a clear route into candle making obviously!

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2. When you’re not making candles what are you doing?

Playing as much golf as Hannah will possibly allow! I’m a member at Stocks Golf Club in Aldbury and play on the scratch team, so if I’m not exhibiting at weekends you can find me there. Or at the pub actually…

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3. What is your favourite Home County Candle Co. product and why?

That’s a tough one! Has to be the Hampshire reed diffuser though - it’s what we’ve got going in our living room at the moment and I can really smell it every time I walk in the house. I’ve also got to plug The Bedfordshire as I grew up there – got to represent!

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4. what is your best and worst part of the candle making process?

In general I really enjoy the whole making process - I get the radio on and then I don’t mind being in the studio all day!

The worst part for me up until now though has to be gold leafing the labels. I basically have to cut out tiny thin strips of gold foil to add to the labels and put them through a machine which is similar to a laminator. It’s by far the most frustrating and time-intensive process but I’m happy to say we’ve just received a huge batch of new labels which take this off my hands - watch this space!

5. what is the best and worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing has to be all the time to play golf! Just kidding – I love the feeling that growing the business and being successful is in my hands, that really motivates me. I’ve got big plans for the business and know that the harder I work the more successful we’ll be.

The worst thing…There are definitely stresses and pressures that come with working for yourself, but it’s all part of the challenge which I thrive on.

A red rose and patchouli scented soy wax candle inspired by Lancashire is shown next to its sustainable candle box with red rose illustration

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.

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A luxury glass match bottle from the Home County Co. with Red Rose illustrated gift tag.

Luxury Match Bottle

Luxury Match Bottle | £15

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.

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The Surrey Reed Diffuser

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.

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The Shropshire 3-Wick Candle

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”.

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A 250g amber jar of dead sea bath salts scented with Sea Salt and Wood Sage

The Coast Bath Salts

Bath Salts | £14-20

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.

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A red rose illustrated greeting card with lots of love message from the Home County Co. is shown with its navy envelope.

Lots of Love Greetings Card

Greetings Card | £3

No Valentine’s Day gift is complete without a heartfelt, hand-written card.

Home County Co. luxury greetings cards are printed in Somerset on beautiful textured card stock manufactured in the Lake District.

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