June Member of the month

Claire joined Ignite Your Creativity back in November and now has a fully fledged candle business Heartfelt Aromas

1.How old is your business now? 

A: Heartfelt Aromas is now a few months into business.  I started my company at the end of 2020, however only started selling products over the past 2 months.

2. Has your business changed in any way since you first started out? 

A: I suppose I see small changes everyday in my business, however the biggest change is sales, which of course is brilliant.  You never know when the next order will come in, so everyday is a surprise.  A new experience for me, was my pop up shop In June, within a beautiful gift shop In Cults, Aberdeen.  This was a brilliant opportunity for me to show my products.  I am generally learning something new every day!

3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced? How did you overcome it? 

A: I am definitely more of a creative person so I find the business part of things the hardest.  I am now doing things I never would have believed I would be capable of achieving.  The most challenging thing has been creating my website.  That took a long time and needed a lot of patience and determination.  I got there though! (And kindly my sister helped)

4. Tell us what a normal day looks like for you? 

A: I am generally a busy person and like it to be this way.  Since starting my business there is no choice as there is always something that needs doing.  I’m an early bird so get ready for the day and head out walking with my 2 darling miniature schnauzer dogs.  I try to go somewhere different every morning.  We generally walk a few miles.  After this, It’s back home to either make candles, melts, diffusers or of course order supplies, post orders, do paperwork.  As I said previously, every day is different.  An evening dog walk is the relaxing end to a busy day.

5. Which of your products do you like creating the most? 

A: I love the creative side of my business and enjoy all of it but I do love my gorgeous heart melts and candles.  My house smells divine on pouring days. I love it.

6. Who would you most like to meet in business? 

A: I think Lulu Guinness would be a fascinating lady.  She has extremely quirky style and has done extremely well in business.

7. Is there a shop you would most like to see your products in? 

A: I have only ever been interested in my products being in small independent shops and I still feel like this now.  They are now being stocked in 3 small independent shops in different areas of Scotland.  It’s amazing.  These shops are more appealing for me to shop in, instead of large franchise stores.  I also feel like we all can support one another in small businesses this way.

8. Has building a candle business been easier or harder than you thought?

A: I have to admit It has been much harder than I ever would have believed.  Not only am I not  naturally business minded, but the creative part has also been more difficult than I thought it would be.  So much testing has to be done to ensure you are creating a safe product for customers.  It takes a lot of time, patience and determination to get it right.

9. How many hours a day do you spend on your business? 

A: At this stage probably far too long.  I have yet to get myself in to a proper routine and I need to learn to switch off.  Most days I would say at least 10 hours and quite often more.  This has been with starting out and I hope this will change so I can get a day off!

10. Did you invest a lot in equipment at the start of the business or use what you already had? 

A: I had to buy everything new for my business as I didn’t have anything suitable to practice with.  It has cost so much more than I would have thought.  

11. What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own candle business? 

A: Be prepared to work very hard, be determined and expect ups and downs as It’s not always a smooth journey.  You will get there in the end if you really want to.  Keep going!

12. What is your current favourite scent? 

A: My scents are mainly based on my love of the outdoors.  I love them all but I might have to choose Rocksalt & Driftwood at this time of year.  It’s fresh and vibrant. 

13. Which part of running your own business do you like the most? 

A: Definitely the creative part.  It has been an experience but I am very proud of what I have now achieved. I never thought I would be running my own business.

14. What is your ethos? 

A: To create beautiful hand made products that customers love.  To create products that I would be attracted to myself, and would want to see in my own home,  If I were to see them in a shop.  Create as natural products as I can and to be as environmentally friendly as possible.  Be happy in my job and love what I’m doing! 

15. Name 5 words to describe your business? 

A: Small, Luxury, environmentally friendly, creative, stunning.

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