The latest Ignite Tribe ‘Member of the Month to launch her business – Introducing the gorgeous ‘LOVE RIA’
1.How old is your business now?
Well I have been in business for nearly 20 years but Ria is my new baby and just launched this month. It feels super exciting and am loving seeing it all come together.
2. Has your business changed in any way since you first started out?
As Ria is so new it is hard to say but business does evolve day by day and I think the key is to allow yourself to grow and adapt as things come your way. When I think about when I started my first business in 2002 things were totally different.. There was no social media for a start!
3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced? How did you overcome it?
I think for me mastering the perfect candle. I honestly had no idea how complex it was when I started. I thought you melted some wax, added fragrance and there you have it. But boy was I wrong! It is so complex and am so glad I have the support of Jo to help me stay legal and produce first class candles.
4. Tell us what a normal day looks like for you?
Chaotic… I promised myself second time around I would be organised and do things ‘differently’ but here I am trying to do all the things and this time I have two kids so have so much less time. Starting a business is addictive and you want to get it all right so you try and do everything. I have to keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy the process or what is the point. To me Ria is about a line in the sand and to connect people to their dreams and the possibilities they hold and I need to ensure this stands true for me too. So I plan to get into a routine of batching and grouping everything together. I have also employed a little team to help me. I have a big vision for Ria and want to make sure I build from a solid and beautiful foundation and not build it in a rush where I end up exhausted at the end!
5. Which of your products do you like creating the most?
I ADORE making candles.. It feels like a dream. So slow and therapeutic and seeing the beautiful creamy wax when it sets.. And smelling the aromas. It is pure alchemy!
6. Who would you most like to meet in business?
Ohh this is a tricky one for me. I have met many business idols in the past but when you get close you realise that things are not always as it seems and can leave you feeling disillusioned. This has, however, shown me that we are ALL the same and ALL have the same possibilities open to us. That those at the top have just been at it longer or risked more to get ahead. There is no ‘magic’ potion and the universe does not decide who is ‘special’ and more likely to succeed. We all have that option if we decide to take it for ourselves. So I don’t think there is anyone I really want to meet.. I prefer to meet those who are on the ground making it happen for themselves against all odds. They are my people 🙂
7. Is there a shop you would most like to see your products in?
Ohhh I think a shop which truly represents the vision of Ria… so experience over profit. I am not quite sure which brand that is but as I type this I feel it is the small independent shops rather than a large multinational. They are the people who are truly risking everything to bring something beautiful to their highstreet!
8. Has building a candle business been easier or harder than you thought?
The making of the candles sooo much harder! The business itself has been fairly easy but I have helped so many ladies start their own businesses over the past decade I have just followed the steps myself.. The business side is not rocket science.. But making candles is close 😉
9. How many hours a day do you spend on your business?
I have two kids so not as much time as I would like. School holidays are a challenge as I want to spend time with them.. And in school time I have to drop everything at 2.30 no matter what. It takes alot of planning but it is doable. The thing is that I LOVE my business… it saves my sanity, it lifts my soul and makes me happy.
10. Did you invest a lot in equipment at the start of the business or use what
you already had?
I think with candles you can spend as little or as much as you like. When I was testing I used lots of bean cans! I have my eye on some expensive equipment which I hope to buy in the next few months before Christmas but as with anything.. You can spend a little or a lot.. The key is to just start!
11. What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start their
own candle business?
Just start where you are and try. You will regret never trying more than giving it your best shot and not working out. The thing is that if you try and it does not work out how you thought you will be one step closer to the thing which will work for you.
12. What is your current favourite scent?
I LOVE the lavender I think.. It is instantly calming.
13. Which part of running your own business do you like the most?
The freedom to do your own thing.. If you can think it then you can do it! I answer to NO ONE!
14. What is your ethos?
That anything is possible. That we all deserve happiness and to always be kind. With Ria I am talking about spreading light and how a candle can light 100 other candles without loosing it’s own light. We should all be supporting each other.. It is the only way.
15. Name 5 words to describe your business?
Hygge. Inspiring. Nurturing. Supportive. Soulful.
