From Britain with Love

I’ve always loved scented candles, but the idea for Pure Light Candles really began when my mum was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity and became allergic to scented products. I had also began to notice that I'd get headaches from even the most expensive brands of fragranced candles, so I started to do some research.

I was shocked to find that many candles were a cocktail of paraffin wax and chemically enhanced synthetic fragrances. I couln’t find a truly ‘natural’ candle on the market so I began developing my own using only 100% natural ingredients. After a positive response from family and friends, I decided to launch Pure Light Candles, using unique blends of pure essential oils and natural wax.

My workshop is based in South Devon. I was born in the South Hams on the beautiful South Devon coastline but after working in London for many years, I missed Devon so much that it seemed the natural next step to settle and have my candle business there. I've always believed in the goodness of local produce and realised how lucky I was having the best quality ingredients right on my doorstep. I work very hard to carry this ethos into Pure Light, working with a network of producers who guarantee the purity and origin of each ingredient I use – from flower to flame.

From blending to pouring to wicking, evey candle is crafted by hand. It’s time consuming but worth it – I really believe the quality of the candles speak for themselves. Every candle is finished by hand too. There’s no machinery used at all – in fact, it’s the total opposite to mass production!

The first candle I made was Lemongrass & Lime and it’s still a real signature scent for us. My Christmas scents – the brand new Pine Needle & Eucalyptus and classic Cinnamon, Orange & Clove are doing really well, while the luxurious Geranium & Sweet Orange is also popular – it’s a bit like having a spa at home. I’m also launching a new romantic scent for Valentine’s Day with a combination of essential oils that act as a natural aphrodisiac!

In fact, 2011 will be a very busy year as I’m launching two new candle fragrances, a new candle range and an exciting new aromatherapy product. It’s all due to the support of my customers, stockists, family and friends – I can’t tell you how fantastic they've been.

I still get a thrill from the whole process of making a candle and seeing the finished product boxed and ready to go out to a customer. Sometimes I still can’t believe I’m a candlemaker! When a customer tells me how much they love a fragrance, it’s great to know my candles are out there being enjoyed – it puts a smile on my face for the whole day.

When I first had the idea for Pure Light, I checked with lots of candle manufactuerers to see if they made naturally scented candles, but many seemed unsure of how to make them. So when a friend simply said ‘Why don’t you make them yourself?’ I decided to do it!

It never crossed my mind to make them anywhere but in the UK. I’m very proud of the craftsmanship here - many of my suppliers are based nearby and I can call on them at the last minute if I need an ingredient, which I love. I also wanted to have control over the product quality as for me it’s all about the ingredients. I’m a great believer in quality over quantity, which is why I offer luxurius candles that don’t break the bank... Pure Light candles are a little treat for everyone.

My first online sale... I’ll never forget it! The website had just launched and a lot of blood, sweat and tears had gone into getting it right. I just hoped other people would like it too. When the first sale happened it took my breath away - I had my own business!

Since then, it has to be when Fenwick of Bond Street's beauty department chose to stock the candles, and then House & Garden magazine voted them ‘best scented candle’ alongside Jo Malone and Miller Harris. It was incredible to get that kind of recognition so early on - Pure Light was suddenly up there with the big boys.

Pure Light candles are sold online at www.purelightuk.com and through a growing number of small, independent stockists across the country. I also attended my first trade show at Top Drawer this September which was a success, so I hope to exhibit more next year.

One of my favourite shops is The Garden Store in Salcombe. It’s not only in the most beautiful location – an old shipbuiding yard overlooking the estuary - but there is some wonderful British-made furniture and lots of other goodies all under one roof. I also love Settle Homes - whether you’re looking for a perfect light fitting or a complete house renovation, it’s all about quality and craftsmanship. Also I’m obsessed with ice cream and Langage Farm Devonshire ice cream is the best!

Being brought up in Devon, my parents instilled in me the importance of supporting local producers and buying great locally produced food. I love Stokely Barton Farmshop which has everything from cakes and home-grown veg to locally grown chillies and chocolate. I also like to visit the farmer's market in my home town of Kingsbridge.

I know I’m biased but there’s no where like South Devon! I love Beesands, a pebbly beach with a row of fisherman’s cottages facing the sea, and I’ve spent many a happy day tucking into crab sandwiches there and walking along the cliffs to the lighthouse at Start Point.

Walk, walk, walk. I can’t stop now that I’m in Devon. I like to walk on Bolberry Down and along the beaches at Thurlestone - anywhere with wide open spaces - it’s the thing I missed most when I was living in London. And that sweet Devon air – as soon as I got off the train at Totnes station I knew I was home.