Orchard Candle Co was founded in 2018 by me making soy wax candles as an alternative to buying traditional paraffin counterparts. My background is far removed from candles, having been an NHS nurse since I was 16, the latter 20 years as an ICU nurse. Orchard was born out of very real concerns surrounding the impact paraffin candles had on the environment and on my family’s health. From my dining room table, I set about producing a natural, healthy and conscientious alternative, originally for personal use. In 2015 I made my very first candle, by Christmas 2016 I made them as gifts for family and friends and by Christmas 2017 I dared to sell my wares at the occasional fair. In 2018 I made the bold decision to launch my own website and brand. 'Orchard Cheshire' was launched in March 2018. It was a tough couple of years as I ran this alongside my full-time job in the NHS. It grew faster than I could ever of imagined it would, stockists jumped onboard and have since proudly stocked my candles. Early 2020 saw a rebrand to 'Orchard Candle Co' and I had my most successful year despite covid19. In November 2020, I opened my very own bricks and mortar shop in Lytham St Annes following a move to live by the sea. You can now find Orchard Candles in many independent shops, florists and salons around the UK.