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Iggy Box Reveal | March Candle Maker

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”59354″ qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome to your March Iggy Box… ‘Happiness Is Spreading Smiles’.

This month, our boxes are focussed on helping us celebrate International Day of Happiness, which also happens to be today! The theme this year is ‘Happiness together’, so we have brought a little helping hand to your boxes, for you to share some smiles with your loved ones… [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Meet our March Maker…

Inside your boxes, we are excited to bring you our first ever matte black vessels, holding two wonderful candles by our featured maker, based in the beautiful Kent countryside… Natalie Gill Candles.

Natalie always loved creating handcrafted gifts and loved the idea of watching her family and friends unwrap them at Christmas. This initially started out with gifts that she had knitted, but it swiftly turned into another new found passion…

With the help from a friend, Natalie quickly learned the art of candle making and now here she is, bringing her elegant and beautifully scented candles to all of us…

All of Natalie’s candles are lovingly hand poured using a natural blend of soy and coconut wax and with a focus on sustainability, Natalie also proudly supports a refill service. All vessels can be returned to be re-poured at just half of the normal RRP, so your March candle can also become a #candleforlife…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

Wicks Inside My Box…

We are absolutely delighted to be featuring two candles from Natalie’s beautiful collection in our boxes this month…

Our floral candle this month is ‘Markbeech’, a tribute to the countryside surrounding a small hamlet in Kent. Escape to nature with a subtle blend of honeysuckle, elderflower and amber, with sandalwood nuances. Be transported into the natural world, a place to enjoy the simple pleasures in life with friends and family, away from the bustle of modern life.

Our fruity candle this month is ‘Eden’, inspired by the river Eden in Kent. Escape to a magical, woodland kingdom and snuggle up with this toasty candle. An enchanting fragrance to uplift your mood with hints of citrusy bergamot, wild flowers, blackcurrant and moss. Eden will put a smile on your face, while enjoying a cosy night in with loved ones.

This month inside of your Iggy Boxes, you will have also found a ‘little something extra’ to help you spread some cheer this March… a Happiness Greeting Card designed by the wonderful Jenny, the creator behind Signed Sealed Delivered Stationery.

This gorgeous card has been hand designed exclusively for you, our Iggy Boxers and we encourage you to send it to someone that means a lot to you, to tell them just how special they are. Let’s spread some smiles together this month… especially in a time when we need them the most.

If you want to get your hands on some more of Jenny’s beautiful cards or prints, then don’t forget to take a look inside your March booklet to find your ‘Exclusive Member Offers’ for a discount code to use at @ssdstationery…[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Earlier this month, we sat down with Natalie, to talk all things candles…

 

How long have you been making candles and is it your full-time job?

It’s been so long now I don’t exactly remember but I have been making candles and experimenting with different scents for a few years now. However, it was only about a year ago when I first thought about actually selling them. A lot of friends and family suggested that I do so and I’m glad they did as it finally gave me the encouragement I needed. Although it’s my dream to make candles for a living, I’m very lucky that I work full time as a physiotherapist in the NHS in London.

Where do you make the candles?

In a small little village in West Kent I hand pour, label and package all of my candles. It’s where I grew up and have lived for over 20 years and my parents are kind enough to let me have my workshop there and support me with my passion. I take my inspiration from places around Kent and use them as names for each of the candles. I try my best to capture the beauty of these places in my scents so I can share them with the world.

What inspired you to start making candles and your brand?

I’ve always loved the idea of giving someone a gift that’s handmade, it feels so much more special. This initially started out with items of knitting that I’d created for family and friends, as you can see, I like making things with my hands. However, the older I got, the more I’ve appreciated a simple, elegant and beautifully scented candle, I mean who doesn’t love a candle! So, with help from a friend, I started learning the craft of making my own candles and developed a passion for it. Since then I haven’t looked back. Family and friends suggested that I start selling my candles to the public, so I finally took the leap last year and did exactly that, and so Natalie Gill Ltd was born.

What do you love the most about being an artisan candle maker and why?

I really love the fact that I can make something that can be enjoyed by anyone. When you think about it, how special is that? I really do get a lot more satisfaction when I create a handmade gift for someone rather than purchasing a present from a store. It just feels more personal for me.

What is your brand ethos/passion behind the brand?

Each and every candle is reusable, refillable and recyclable. Once a customer burns one of my candles, the container can be returned for a refill. That way, the vessel is never put to landfill, which fully supports the environmental ethos that my company stands for.

What is your favourite scent note in a candle and why?

I would have to pick two – cedar and pine as they always remind me of my favourite season which is winter. A season filled with log fires, mulled wine, family and of course Christmas and anyone who knows me, knows that I adore Christmas!

Who inspires you the most?

It definitely has to be My Mum. She has the patience of a saint and the kindest heart on earth. If I can take just an inch of the love she has shown me and pour it into each and every candle, then I think that that is something truly special.

What has been your biggest achievement so far and why?

I would have to say qualifying as a physiotherapist and obtaining my dream job in one of the best NHS Trusts in London after I left university. I feel very rewarded to be able to give something back to society each day.

Do you have a fun fact or anecdote about your brand?

I guess it’s not a fun fact but just a fact that hopefully someone gets the joy of being able to smell one of my candles but also understand how I am trying to help the environment. For me that’s a win win. As my candle containers are refillable, I really want to encourage customers to use the hashtag: #candleforlife

Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions or specific goals in 2020?

I would like to devote more time to travelling and exploring new cities and countries to gain an understanding of the different cultures and to see what they have to offer. It might even give me inspiration for new candle collections!

I also plan on attending more craft fairs this Autumn/Winter so that I can get my brand out there and start sharing some of my creations with everyone, along with contacting local shops to see if they would be interested in stocking my unique brand of candles.

 

We hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about Natalie and her beautiful brand and that you all love your March Iggy Boxes and candles… 

We just wanted to finish with saying thank you to you all for your support in this uncertain and stressful time…

We are blessed to be able to continue to get your Iggy Boxes to you and we really hope that they can bring some light and calm to you, your families and your friends. 

Over the last few days we have seen so many people ordering gifts to help bring some joy to those currently in isolation. This beautiful kindness fills our hearts and we thank you for continuing to show us, our candle makers and those around you your unwavering love and support.

Happy Burning Iggy Boxers and please stay safe xx[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]