I put together two roundups on BELLA. One on Advent Calendars and another on Loungewear.
I definitely need to start the Advent one earlier next year; I can’t believe that SO many sold out by the time the piece went live.
ELENA:)
I first learned of Woodlot from Melissa at Old Joy Gift Boxes ages ago. And after months of Instagram conversations, I finally met Sonia at a pop up shop at West Elm. Because we are both pretty busy people, I feel like the only time I get to see Sonia is at an pop up event – so I was happy that Woodlot was able to participate in the Summer St. Soiree.
Although I have yet to purchase a signature candle, the body spray and the bath salts definitely have my endorsement! Can’t wait for my friends to try them.
Here is 5 minutes 5 questions with the lovely, talented busy bee, Sonia from Woodlot:
1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?
My entire life! 🙂
2) How did you start Woodlot?
My partner and I wanted to share toxin free products for home and body with friends and family. We both had recipes that were passed down to us and started to make + share them. We worked with a good friend on design, and started to get some interest from shops locally and internationally.
3) If you could advise a new business owner of something, what would it be?
Launch before you think something is perfect. We’ve learned a lot about packaging, design and our customers by launching earlier. Things can get $$$ with printing minimums, packaging minimums, so I think it’s best to get your product out there and into peoples hands. Get people loving your product, and then focus on other details when you have a better understanding of who your customer really is. Also, focus on sales, sales, sales.
4) Describe your favourite scent in a sentence.
Petrichor is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or current mate)?
Communication, Affection & Trust
Don’t forget to follow Woodlot on IG and Twitter: @shopwoodlot and ‘like’ on FB!
ELENA:)
I first met Nick and his partner Farouk, when I co hosted the Summer St. Soirée at the end of June with Modern Fort. I was immediately drawn to the design of the packaging and liked how the communities of Vancouver were incorporated into the candle scent names. Perfect for travel – the candles also come in tins too (thank goodness because my bag already weighs a ton!)
Here is 5 minutes 5 questions with talented candle maker, Nick from Vancouver Candle Co.:
1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?
I permanently settled in Vancouver in 2012 from San Diego, California. I went to UBC, and after I met Farouk, settled here.
2) How did you start Vancouver Candle Co.?
I started Vancouver Candle Co. to share my love of candles. I purchased an expensive candle from an interior design store that burned poorly. After researching why, I discovered a lot of candle companies use nasty, potentially harmful ingredients in the candles. I decided to make my own.
3) What is your favourite neighbourhood in Vancouver and why?
My favourite neighbourhood is Strathcona. We just bought a cute heritage home there and can’t wait to move (Sept 4 and counting down the days). We love the old-meets-new and friendly mix of people. The neighbourhood is so magical!
4) Describe your favourite scent in a sentence.
My favourite scent is Point Grey. I love the earthiness of it.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or current mate)?
Sense of humour, generosity, integrity.
Don’t forget to follow Vancouver Candle Co. on IG: @VancouverCandleCo. Twitter: VanCandleCo. and ‘Like’ them on FB!
ELENA:)