British candle brand, Lara Quin caught our attention on social media. Having looked further into the inspiration and story of it’s beginning; we were intrigued and wanted to know more. So we got in on the action and here’s what we discovered about this premium handmade soy candle brand.
We received A Little Box of Love complete with three candles; Rose Quartz & Jasmine (Notes of Bergamot, Jasmine, Oakmoss + Pine), Rose Quartz, Vetiver Fig & Smokey Quartz and lastly Rose Quartz, Orange Spice with Crystal Quartz (Notes of Wildflower, Orange + Nutmeg).
The candles each have around 55 hours of burn time so you really do get to enjoy each one in full. A Little Box of Love retails at £34 and have strong scents. In some cases candles can have an artificial waxy scent, but rest assured Lara Quin’s soy candles are handmade, soy and organic and you smell that once the fragrances of a burning candle explore a room.
We caught up with girl boss, mother and visionary behind the brand, Jessica Seaman to find out more about her journey running a small business.
- What was the inspiration behind the name Lara Quin?
At about 8 months pregnant and having had some awful news, I was sat crying in a corner of a train station coffee shop. Out of nowhere a woman approached with a big cup of hot chocolate and proceeded to embrace me in a giant bear hug. She didn’t ask what was wrong, but simply told me everything would be a little brighter tomorrow. And she was right. Her name was Lara Quin. It was such a simple act of kindness, that in that moment, meant everything to me and i’ve never forgotten her.
- Everyone loves candles, what was the connection to candles for you and then wanting to enter the industry?
I’d always made candles as a hobby but it wasn’t until friends and family urged me to pursue it as a career that I launched my own website and things really just took off from there. My background was in fashion but I’ve thrown in a few random jobs in between! Running discos for the kids at Mencap was a particular swerve from what I normally do, but I have to say aside from making candles, it was one of my favourites! Again it’s probably about seeing joy on others, but something so simple as music really lit up their day and it was amazing to be part of.
- For anyone starting out a business there will always be challenges; what would you say some of your’s have been and how did you overcome them?
I think the greatest challenges for creative people would be the admin! I hate admin!!! Anyone with a creative soul will tell you that side of running a business is soul destroying. I just want to be in my studio blending fragrances and melting wax but sadly it’s a necessary evil. I think i’ll be lit up with joy the day I can pass all those VAT returns onto someone who enjoys it more than me!
- Will the Lara Quin range be expanding and if so what’s next for you?
We have lots of exciting things in the pipeline for Lara Quin. I love collaborating with like minded brands so we shall be working with some very talented people over the next few months. We are very fortunate to be stocked in some beautiful boutiques around the world and word of Lara Quin seems to be spreading fast so long may that continue. We also have some very exciting new products launching soon to compliment our candle collection. Exciting times:)
- What have been some of the highlights of your journey so far as a #girlboss so far?
The whole launch has felt like a whirlwind and I’m trying to savour every moment. I adore what I am doing and I think that passion shines through. My children are quite involved in the process, they help sometimes in the studio and get as excited as I do when a new store wants to stock my collection. They are taking it all in, how hard you have to work, starting something from scratch and helping it grow, to see them learning from the process is priceless.
- For anyone else who wants to pursue their vision or dream – what advice would you give to them?
I truly believe if you put good out into the world, good will come back to you eventually. You don’t have to be ruthless to make it, be kind, always, and from small seeds beautiful flowers will grow. My motto to myself in life is “Never get Greedy“. The minute you do everything goes wrong:/ Find something you are truly passionate about and go for it. Try and stay true to your business plan, and who you are, and trust your instincts.
(Pictured Above: Jessica Seaman)
Visit the Lara Quin website now to see their full range of products available.
W | www.laraquin.com
