Light up your life
The Wells Candle Company was founded by Leila Eldred in 2020. Over the past four years the entrepreneur has grown her business but has never forgotten that good quality products and customer relations are key. Here she tells Eileen Leahy more about her beautiful hand-poured candles and gorgeous diffusers – which will no doubt make a perfect gift for Christmas…
So Leila, tell us when and why you started your candle business…
I had been made redundant during the first lockdown in 2020 but decided to embrace the calm and very much enjoyed the slow living that afforded me. I had it all: a cosy place to call home, a husband and two beautiful children and a dog we could take on long walks. But after a while I realised that I needed to keep busy during that crazy time. So that’s when I decided to start my own business.
Had you any previous experience in this particular sector?
I am a qualified graphic designer and have worked most of my life in sales and retail, so this was certainly a new challenge. I found a few courses and started to teach myself the art of making and hand-pouring candles. We now have a range that comprises reed diffusers, wax melts as well as our signature luxury candles.
In what ways have you grown the business since it first launched?
I wanted to make products that people loved and would share with their friends and families, and I really do think I have achieved this. Never underestimate the power of customer loyalty in growing your business.
What would you say is the Wells Candle Company’s USP?
I want to create stylish pieces for people’s homes, and I hope I have created that with simple but classic branding and really lovely fragrances. These range from Cassis & Fig and Lavender Spa to Autumn Leaves and Pomegranate. All my fragrance oils are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and responsibly sourced. I use Sasol, a mineral wax that is GMO and cruelty-free.
How long did it take you to master the art of hand-pouring the candles?
Getting the right mix of wax, fragrance and wick is a complex process. I think it took me a good nine months at least to test, make and roll out my first batch of candles but now it comes as second nature to me and is something I really enjoy doing.
Which are your best sellers and do these vary from season to season?
My best sellers change according to the time of year. I always introduce a new fragrance every few months, so it really does depend. For Christmas and winter our Damson, Rose and Patchouli is always a favourite but we also sell festive treats such as Winter Spice and White Christmas candles, wax melts and diffusers so you can scent your home beautifully this December.
Are your customers mainly from the local area or are they based all over the country?
One of the good things to come out of the pandemic is how people now love to support local – now more than ever. Which is great and I’m very thankful for because by doing so you are really helping small, independent businesses to survive and thrive.
What are the key lessons you have learned from running your own business – and is it just you in the team?
Running a small business at the moment is really tough and yes, it is just me. I’m the maker, the designer, the promoter and the seller! I really do rely on word of mouth and repeat customers. I also participate in a number of artisan markets throughout the year which helps grow my client base.
Finally, can you reveal any exciting plans for The Wells Candle Company as we head into 2025?
We’re going to be adding some new fragrances to the collections and hopefully some new products, so keep your eyes peeled.
Web: www.thewellscandleco.co.uk
Email: info@thewellscandleco.co.uk
Instagram: @thewellscandlecompany
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Reader offer
The Wells Candle Company is offering our readers 10% off products. To redeem the discount simply use the code TWB10 when checking out. The company also offers a free click and collect from its studio in Tunbridge Wells. See
www.thewellscandleco.co.uk for more information
