The UK candle market is worth over £575 million, and is set to grow at a rate of 8.3% in the next six years. Therefore, it’s no wonder why there are so many choices available when it comes to picking your perfect home scent!
Not all candles are made equally, however, and expensive doesn’t necessarily equal good quality, as Sandra (left), founder of Terre Candle, explains. Her candles are artisanal, hand-poured and made with soy (which emits fewer toxins than paraffin wax), and yet, they come in at a more affordable price point than other, much larger brand names.
Here, Sandra talks about her route into candle making, the significance of different scents, and her opinion on the body candle trend.
How did your mother inspire you to become a candlemaker?
My mum has always been very creative and always had a passion for beautiful interior including paintings, candles etc. When I decided to set up my own business she helped me to find the perfect name of the brand and Terre was created in 2016.
You were previously a make-up artist – what were the biggest challenges in changing your career path, and how did you overcome them?
With any change of career path, it is important to be open to learn new things. I had to start from the basic knowledge of understanding the world of fragrances before understanding the world of wax. Once I nailed this, it was time to learn about setting up my own business. It takes time and effort but it is worth it.
You grew up in France, where some of the most classic scents originate. What are your favourite French fragrances and why?
This question is an easy one for me as my mum used to wear Chanel No. 5 or Coco Chanel. These were so opulent and warm, absolutely gorgeous. She now wears Habanita by Molinard which is a sweet powdery scent with a touch of leather and wood. Amazing if you like vintage sexy fragrances.
If you could encapsulate London in a candle, which scents would you choose?
It would have to be Masculine from my collection which is a wonderful blend of woody accords. With top notes of bergamot and lemon on heart notes to reflect London’s tea time, and a touch of leather and oud on a base of musk, woods, patchouli, vanilla and amber to represent London as a cosmopolitan city.
Candles come at many different price points – does expensive necessarily mean better?
Not necessarily as some of the well-known brands often have the same suppliers used by smaller businesses including fragrances (same or similar scents) wax and glass containers (unless the candle jar is bespoke).
The difference in price will always be based on other external company costs which could be marketing, PR, cost of goods, etc.
What are some creative ways to reuse and recycle candle pots after burning candles?
Great question as I was telling one of my good friends last week to reuse all her candle jars. They can be used as a makeup brushes holder, plants pots, drinking glasses (for example for my safari collection candles). You can also buy a refill for your candle. A lot of companies are now offering this service which is a great way to support the planet.
What are your tips for taking good care of your candles?
Trim your candle before burning and burn it for 2-3h max at a time.
Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings and debris, including burnt matches. Avoid air drafts which can cause soothing and uneven burning, and remember to burn all candles in a well-ventilated room. As relaxing as it might be, never fall asleep to candlelight.
Always trim your candle wick before lighting it.
Body-shaped candles have become a big trend over the past few years. But they’re often seen as ornamental. What are your thoughts on customers using them as a decoration, rather than burning them?
Body shapes have been very popular in the last few years and majority of my customers do buy them as ornaments. These are great celebration of positivity and body shapes inclusion.
With the right amount of gold leaves on them, those beauties are wonderful.
How do you create bespoke Terre candles for your customers?
This is a step by step consultation with my customers to fully understand their needs and requirements for the occasion.
This is a truly customer led experience to ensure we pick together the right scent following a scent consultation, as well as the right candle jar and the right packaging for their event or occasion.
I have also started this year my new candle workshop with corporate companies and customers which have been very popular.
Which three fragrance notes define you?
It will have to be a sweet fragrance. Le Soleil is my favourite scent.
The top note is pineapple which is my favourite fruit, blended with a middle note of coconut milk which I love adding in all my meals and base note of peach which is also my favourite. My mum is from Martinique so these notes are so tropical. J’adore!
Shop Terre Candle at terrecandle.co.uk
