NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR BY FIRELIGHT

Stallholder Profile for By Firelight

Your name: Sara Storoy

Your business name: By Firelight

Facebook/website name and link: www.facebook.com/byfirelight and www.byfirelight.com.au

The suburb/town you live in now: Hervey Bay QLD

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I make a variety of pure Australian beeswax candles. I use a hand-dipping technique along with hand pouring into moulds. By not using any artificial colouring or fragrances so they are 100% natural. The colours I do use are derived from botanicals. Styles available currently are dinner tapers, small pillars, tealights, birthday and beehive votive candles.

What inspired you to start your business?: After learning of the dangers associated with burning paraffin wax, I desired a natural fragrance free alternative for the candles on my children's birthday cakes. Unable to find anything like I was looking for, I decided to have a go at making my own. I enjoyed it so much I continued to experiment with making different types. And the business grew from there.

How long have you been creating?: I started making candles in 2016.

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: This is a part time hobby that is gradually growing into a business.

Where do you sell your creations?: I sell my creations at The Handmade Expo, via my Facebook business page and my website.

What makes you so special or different?: By specialising in candles that are 100% beeswax, I am able to offer chemical and fragrance free products that can be enjoyed by anyone, particularly those with sensitivities to artificial fragrances. All products are packaged in boxes or reusable linen bags in an effort to be as close to zero waste as possible. I also sell a variety of styles that are not readily available locally.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Being able to create something from scratch using only ingredients from nature and hearing the positive feedback from people who have used my products for the first time.

What is your favourite product to make?: My favourite product to make right now is the small beehive shaped votive. Its easy to make, small and yet burns really beautifully.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: Not at this stage, but it is something I would like to consider in the future.