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!
