Innovation

The business produces eco candles, handmade with soy and other natural ingredients. The materials and packaging used are designed to have very little environmental impact. The soy products used in all ‘Fly Off the Candle’ candles are sourced from companies that are 100% Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) certified. ‘Fly Off the Candle’ uses a range of oils to create the scents for the candles which are all natural and cruelty free. All packaging used for the products including glass vessels, boxes and labels are 100% recyclable and special attention is paid to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly or, in most cases, re-used with a majority of the leftover soy allocated to smaller candle products such as tea lights or mini melts.

Inspiration

The company was created after its owner, an avid candle user, noticed that the overall quality of the candles that she was burning were produced quite cheaply and not always eco-friendly. “They smelled quite smoky after I’d been burning them for a little while which made me think about what was actually going into them. And to pay for the “good” candles meant spending a lot of money”. From there, Ash devoted her own personal time to research how candle products could be more environmentally friendly without costing too much.

After many attempts to get the products to the standard she hoped for, Ash began promoting her ‘Fly Off the Candle’ products to her close friends and family.

“Many people close to me were burning candles in their homes almost every day. I thought if I could start with those people and stop the “bad stuff” from receiving support, I could get the ball rolling and have more people buy my reasonably priced, eco-friendly, unique candles and products that were made with love”.

Overall impact

Ash stated that she had made a small impact thus far, selling her products to friends of friends and at local markets around the Melbourne area.
“After making and distributing these products for some time now, I am noticing that the awareness of and demand for ecological products is more popular among consumers I come across”.

Business benefit

The business has employed two people to assist them in setting up their market stalls. New markets have been opened up in the community as awreness grows for sustainable products. Ash hopes to target these customers and expand her business.

Social and environmental benefit

The soy products used in all ‘Fly Off the Candle’ candles are sourced from companies that are 100% Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) certified. ‘Fly Off the Candle’ ensures that employees are provided with safe and comfortable working conditions. The employee works reasonable hours and are not forced to do any dangerous tasks. These business practices can be replicated across other businesses in the candle retail industry.

Interview

Ashleigh Marie, Owner