Homemade candle business has the sweet smell of success

He was working hard as a mental health nurse at Hollins Park in Winwick and struggling with a relationship.

He invested in a start up kit to make his own candles and Kingswood Candle Company was born.

Here, in our next Trader of the Week feature, Jason tells us about working seven days a week manning his stall in Golden Square and how pleased he was to be able to meet customers face-to-face following Covid-19 lockdowns.

Owner Jason Mitchell

What’s the name of the business?

Kingswood Candle Company

What’s the address?

Golden Square and Market

When did you open the business?

2019

Kingswood Candle Company started in 2019

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

Yes, I grew up in Kingswood.

Tell me a bit about your business

A few years ago, I was struggling in a relationship with my ex partner and would make candles as an escape and a way of boosting my mental health. Candle making has recently become my full time job and I have left my previous nursing job. I have created lots of vegan-friendly products such as candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and car diffusers. I put my heart and soul into making candles and other products and I work seven days a week in Golden Square. This isn’t just a job, it’s my life, my baby.

What do you do? What services do you provide?

We offer personalisation for presents and we make hampers to suit any occasion. There are so many scents to choose from that there will be something for everyone. We do regular markets in the autumn months, throughout Christmas and into the new year.

Some of the popular scents available from the stall in Golden Square

Why did you decide to open your own business?

I was suffering from anxiety and stress and I was overwhelmed with my career and relationship. My gran used to make candles when I was younger and I decided to try it as a hobby. I soon became obsessed with designing my image and brand! I never imagined this would turn into a business let alone become my full time job. I just did what I loved, entered markets and competitions and somehow won awards. The business’ success is down to hard work and the support from my family friends. I’d love to open a shop one day.

What’s your business background?

I don’t have any. I was a mental health nurse before doing this full time.

Why this type of business?

I’ve always liked to do hands on things and making candles made me feel close to my gran.

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How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your business?

I was making candles during and after the pandemic. People were initially reluctant to come to the stalls when lockdowns ended but it was nice to see people face to face after such a long time.

A huge selection of wax melts

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I use nothing but vegan-friendly products, recycled products and biodegradable packaging. I try to create hampers that suit each customer’s needs and always put my heart and soul into my products.

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

I love my products and build a professional relationship with every customer. We also offer loyalty cards, which customers seem to like.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

We have several markets booked in over the next few weeks - Warrington, Stockton Heath and Stratford upon Avon – so plenty of opportunity for people to buy our products.

If you would like to appear in our Trader of the Week feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk