MEGAN Macdonald set up Sandwick Bay Candles in 2016 after gifting her children’s teachers homemade candles for Christmas which they loved. She now has orders from all over the world and hopes to grow the business while keeping its personal touch.
Name: Megan Macdonald
Age: 38
Position: Creative director
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS CALLED?
Sandwick Bay Candles
WHERE IS IT BASED?
Stornoway
WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?
I STARTED three and a half years ago. I had just had my third child and I was at home with him as childcare is expensive. I thought about what to get my children’s teachers for Christmas and I thought I’d use a candle making kit I had and my daughters decorated the labels. The teachers loved them. I thought I could do it as a business. I wanted to make something that didn’t look homemade because I didn’t think we had anything like that here in Stornoway. I also work as an occupational therapist when I can which I loved so I never thought I’d set up my own business. I love my job. I used to stay up until 2am labelling candles but I’ve got my own premises now so I’ll be doing it from a workshop instead of at home. I hired my first employee two months ago.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?
IT’S a wide range of people. Schoolkids came in the other day and said they saw the candles on Instagram stories and loved them. We have a shop in Stornoway which is part of a chemist with an older clientele. Lots of people have a nostalgic link to Stornoway, so people often want the candles as wedding favours.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?
THERE are hundreds of candle companies. I have a subscription box that I love and I always include something extra from another small business which gives them some recognition. I try to keep it personal. I never want to have a big factory and not know who my customers are. The candles are also high quality and I spend a lot of time on that. People say they burn really well. I also try to make candles with a conscience. I have got rid of wax melts that come in plastic containers and use biodegradable bags. I have a refill station for old diffusers that people can fill up with fragrance. I will also refill old candle jars. If you can refill it that’s surely better. It keeps repeat custom and I offer a discount on refills.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
THE people. They can come into the workshop and see where I make it. I run candle-making workshops that sell out in a day even though nearly everyone who lives in Stornoway must have done one by now! I get a lot of repeat custom. It speaks volumes if people come back twice.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
SHIPPING costs can be ridiculous. Running a business as a working mum is hard – women juggle so much. I run a monthly coffee meet-up for those running businesses – the Hebrides Tribe. We discuss every part of running a business and people can ask questions. It’s really lonely working on your own. I finished my full-time work in March and I was nervous about having no-one to talk to.
IS SCOTLAND A GOOD PLACE FOR THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?
I THINK so. I won a stand with Theo Paphitis from Dragons’ Den in September who helps small businesses. Everyone who came to see me there was Scottish. Scots are supportive of other Scottish businesses.
I have also experienced the Outlander effect with lots of orders to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I have a range of candles inspired by the Outlander TV show. I am originally from New Zealand. I moved here in 2004 and met my husband here before I was due to head back. He came back to New Zealand with me and we permanently moved to Scotland after that. I love it here.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?
I WANT it to keep growing. We are getting a lot of bespoke orders. I have one girl who helps out three days a week and then five others who work for us too. There are a few of us that all get work done around childcare. I’m trying to keep it real. Loving it and working with an amazing team makes a happy workplace.
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