In 2018 I began my own line of scented candles based on places I've lived and traveled. Hand-poured in limited editions, the candles evoke a specific time and feeling within the place that inspired them.

 

It's been a challenging and rewarding experience to develop everything about the brand and product - from conceptualising the brand, creating the logo and branding materials, designing the organic cotton canvas labels and packaging (which feature my own travel photography) and working with suppliers to ensure print quality meets high standards, to countless hours spent in the lab testing materials in order to maximise burn time and scent throw. I've gained a wealth of hands-on knowledge about production, textile design, web design, marketing and distribution. 

 

I've learned what it takes to run a small business from the day-to-day operations to determining price points based on market research and analysis of profit margins to meeting with suppliers and potential stockists, and carefully selecting vendors that align with the brand image and ethos.