Lighting Up Dreams: Real Stories From Our Crafters ✨
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Tempo de leitura 8 min
In this blog post, we’re going to be doing something a little different. This week, we’re not trying to keep up with the latest candle trend, showcase our range of amazing products or educate you all on an aspect of candle creation (even though you do love it when we do!).
We wanted to shine a spotlight on the inspiring journeys of our customers who have turned their passion for candle making into thriving businesses. We believe that every candle tells a story, and today, we’re excited to share some of those stories, highlighting the struggles, successes, and future goals of our talented community.
It has been a real pleasure to read through the follower submissions. We’ve really gathered a beautiful tapestry of experiences that showcase not only the art of candle making but also the resilience and creativity of our followers. Today, we’re getting real, we’re getting raw, we’re getting to the heart of the people behind these businesses.
These are their stories.
❤️
Table Of Contents
User Submission #1: Nicola’s Story (White Orchid Candle Company)
First up, let’s meet Nicola, the creative mind behind White Orchid Candle Company based in Portadown. After suffering from burnout in the care field she chose to turn her passion for candle crafting into a business. Here’s her story:
How did you come up with your business name? We love a good origin story!
I choose orchid as it symbolises love, strength, endurance and luxury, I choose the colour white because it symbolises perfection, honesty, cleanliness and beginnings, both together white orchid I felt explained how I wanted my brand to be, my journey as in it was a new beginning for me and strength that if I can get through what I’ve been through I can get through anything.
What have been some of the greatest hurdles you've overcome?
My own insecurities, constantly comparing myself to others, second doubting my products of they are good enough, being rejected into craft events because other candle makers are there can knock your confidence that you're not good enough.
What have been some of your biggest successes to date?
Selling my products, I never thought when I started out that people would buy my products, it’s a difficult market, returning customers, and lately been asked to make candles for bereavement packs for the local hospital, being able to give back, I cherish the small successes as they are as important as the big, being able to trade in Victoria square in Belfast I feel is a big achievement for me as I feel it adds that luxury to my brand my customers seeing and knowing I’m there selling my products.
Do you have any goals you hope to achieve by the end of 2025? If so, what are they?
To have a permanent pop up in Victoria square, to achieve better success with online sales.
If you had to start all over again, what advice would you give your younger self?
"Learn to walk before you can run, I had to learn patience and building a business takes time, I wanted it all straight away so I’d tell myself to slow down enjoy the small wins more and take the time to embrace the moment!"
@whiteorchidcandleco
We want to thank Nicola for being so open and honest! If you’d like to show her some love, check out her pages below:
- Instagram: @whiteorchidcandleco
- Website: www.whiteorchidcandlecompany.co.uk
Craft with These Products!
User Submission #2: Tish's Story (Solas Bath Body Home)
Next, we have Tish, the founder of Solas Bath Body Home. With products handcrafted from the shores of Lough Neagh, Solas focuses on creating handmade soap and fragrance products using local ingredients (yay for us!).
Focusing on natural, sustainable ingredients, Solas was initially founded in Australia at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Tish moved back home to Ballymaguigan, Co. Derry, Solas came with her!
How did you come up with your business name? We love a good origin story!
Living in Australia, I knew I wanted a business name that would reflect my Irish heritage. Solas is the Irish word for light/brightness, and Solas The Soap & Candle Co. was born. Later, when I finally arrived home, I dropped The Soap & Candle Co. and replaced it with Bath Body Home to encapsulate the wide variety of products I intended to offer.
Our logo encapsulates the journey I’ve had from Australia to home, featuring both the Eucalyptus and Oak leaves representing the beautiful Sunshine State, Queensland, and my own native Oakleaf of County Derry.
Let us know what it's really been like running a craft-based business.
The set up and pack down of markets can be very hard. And some events that don't go well, can be very disheartening.
What made you take the leap from hobbyist to business owner?
After COVID cancelled my flights home from Australia, I decided to make my hobby into a business so I had something meaningful to look forward to. Luckily, living in a regional part of Australia, we avoided lockdown after lockdown, and I was able to be a part of local farmers' markets on a regular basis.
What have been some of the greatest hurdles you've overcome?
Packing up and shipping all my stuff from Australia lol this has both been such a struggle and at the same time I look back and see what an achievement that has been.
If you had to start all over again, what advice would you give your younger self?
"Stop procrastinating and just take action. What you start off with might not exactly be where you want to end up at but taking the action will lead you to where you want to be. "
We want to thank Tish for sharing her story with us! If you’re in the market for natural, handmade soaps made with beef tallow then check out her pages below:
- Instagram: @solas_bath_body_home
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solasthesoapandcandleco
- Website: https://solasbathbodyhome.co.uk/
Create with These Essential Supplies!
User Submission #3: Veronica's Story (VG Creations IRL)
Lastly, for this month’s creator spotlight, we have Veronica, the proud owner of VG Creations IRL. After her mother was diagnosed with a rare heart failure, Veronica decided to transition from a Financial Crime background into candle-making. She's certainly been through a lot on the road to building her business!
Based in Co. Kilkenny, VG Creations IRL focuses on customisable, non-toxic products at reasonable prices. Here’s Veronica’s story in her own words:
So what first sparked your passion for crafting?
I've had this dream since 2017 where I wanted to start making my own candles, soaps and handmade jewellery, but I was always afraid and never knew where to start!
When mum got sick, I pursued a nail technician course so I could do her manicure, I then started to research about candle making, soap making and pursued an online candle making course which ultimately became my online psychotherapy - I registered my VG Creations IRL business and making candles became my way of dealing with the fear of losing my mum and as days and months went on, the fear, worry and doubts have become replaced with patience, resilience and peace.
I have wanted to give up so many times but my mum's happiness from my candles and my customers satisfaction kept me going and pushing harder and harder to become even better at what I do. I know now that when the worst comes, I have my world no.1 cheerleader and my true customers to keep me afloat ❤️✨🌺
Do you have any goals you hope to achieve by the end of 2025? If so, what are they?
Publish my Website, it has been really hard doing everything on your own from advertising to media to content creation. Time has not been on my side and although I had a goal to publish my website by March 2025, I now have a goal to publish my website by end of June.
What have been some of the greatest hurdles you've overcome?
Definitely, container candles and wicks not flaming as they should or drowning.
This one isn't a question, it's just a safe space to vent about anything you want. Let us know what it's really been like running a craft based business.
Frustrating, as people often underestimate the value, time and effort put into handcrafted produce. It truly hurts when you hear someone say that your large earrings that you sell for 15e are too expensive because they can get them on Shein for 2e or 40 Wax Melts for 25e when they can get 2x bars for 12e thinking they are saving money 🤔💁🏼♀️ it's each preference but my god... 🤣🥵🫣😁
" I have wanted to give up so many times but my mum's happiness from my candles and my customers satisfaction kept me going and pushing harder and harder to become even better at what I do"
Check out some of Veronica's creations:
Thank you so much Veronica for sharing your journey with us! If you’re looking for customisable, non-toxic products then check out Veronica’s pages below:
- Instagram: @vg_creations_ireland
- Etsy shop: click here
Takeaway
As we read through these stories, it’s evident that while each journey is unique, they share common threads of resilience, creativity, and community.
Our candle makers have faced their share of obstacles, yet they continue to rise, fuelled by their love for crafting. These narratives remind us that the candle-making community is a supportive space where individuals can connect, grow, and inspire one another.
In our efforts to foster a community for all crafters, we have set up the following Facebook groups. If you’re looking for advice, support or just want to share some of the small wins, then be sure to check them out:
Final Thoughts
In closing, the stories we’ve shared today exemplify the passion that binds our community together. Nicola, Tish and Veronica have all faced their own trials, celebrated their victories, and set ambitious goals for the future—all while nurturing their love for crafting.
If your story wasn’t featured, fear not! We hope to continue shining a light on the wonderful creators in our community so be sure to keep your eye out for future shoutouts! Remember, there is a vibrant community here for everyone who seeks it, and together, we can continue to light up the world, one candle at a time.
Much love,
The NICS Team
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NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My story didn't get featured, why not?
We received so many lovely business stories from our crafters that it was so hard to pick only 3 for this blog! However, this is a new feature we are hoping to continue so don't worry if your story wasn't featured this time!
There were also some stories that were so inspiring, we may even be dedicating a whole blog just to them so stay tuned!
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