Spotlight on Local Creative Artisans: Meet the Goose Island Candle Company

In our latest blog feature, we spotlight the Goose Island Candle Company, a charming family-owned business based on the Isle of Wight. Founded by Carly and Nigel Rees in March 2023, they specialize in eco-friendly, handcrafted candles, diffusers, and soy wax melts. Inspired by nature, their products evoke cherished memories and emotions. With over 20 fragrances and a commitment to sustainability, they’ve cultivated a loyal customer base through local markets and artisan fairs. Support this vibrant local gem with us! (January 2025 - 3 minute read)

Welcome to our new blog feature dedicated to celebrating local creative artisans running small businesses! Together, we can foster a vibrant community of creators and entrepreneurs. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to the Goose Island Candle Company, owned and operated by Carly and Nigel Rees.

Business Overview

Founded in March 2023, the Goose Island Candle Company is a family-owned business based in St Helens on the Isle of Wight, affectionately known as Goose Island. They are a stones throw away from our studio. They specialise in crafting high-quality, eco-friendly, fragrant candles, diffusers, and soy wax melts. Inspired by nature’s beauty, their products aim to evoke cherished memories and emotions while enhancing any space, providing comfort and joy to all.

Visit their website at www.gooseislandcandlecompany.com and be sure to check out their journal, where you can find details of events they’re attending, along with blogs like “Tips for Candle Lovers” and “Candle Safety Advice.” You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Owner’s Story

What started as a humble kitchen table endeavour has blossomed into a thriving business deeply rooted in the local community. The Goose Island Candle Company has attracted a loyal customer base online and established a vibrant presence at local craft markets and artisan fairs. Here, customers can experience the delightful scents and quality of their products first-hand.

Participating in these markets has allowed Carly and Nigel to connect with customers directly, gather feedback, and share their brand story. One memorable interaction involved a customer sharing how a specific scent reminded them of a cherished family gathering - moments like these fuel the couple’s passion for creating evocative home fragrances and sharing them with us.

The craft market stalls also serve as a platform for them to introduce new products and experiment with seasonal scents. Each visit is an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to quality and passion for craftsmanship, resulting in a delightful experience for local patrons. We’ve loved being along side them at Ingrams Yard Market last year.

Product Offerings

The Goose Island Candle Company offers over 20 distinct fragrances in their handmade soy wax candles, categorised into four signature scent groups: refreshing, earthy, fruity, and our favourite - floral, along with special seasonal scents. Customers can choose from three candle sizes (30g, 145g, and 500g), as well as diffuser bottles with reeds and soy wax melts.

Their eco-friendly designs ensure a long-lasting aroma, and all products are carefully packaged, making them perfect for gifting. The soy wax is 100% natural and free from additives, while high-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils enhance their offerings. Additionally, the cotton wicks promote a cleaner burn, and all packaging is 100% recyclable, aligning with their vegan-friendly and cruelty-free philosophy.

What distinguishes them from their competitors? They attribute their uniqueness to eco-friendly designs, exquisite fragrances (including unique scent combinations and limited-edition seasonal collections), long-lasting burn times, carefully packaged products ideal for gifting, and the use of soy wax for a cleaner burn.

Customer Testimonials

Customers have raved about Goose Island Candles for their beautiful gift packaging, strong natural and uplifting fragrances, natural ingredients, and clean, even burns. One customer commented, “I’ve had candles in my home for years and never received burning instructions before, so very helpful.”

Our Top Tips

When comparing candles available in the market, consider:

· Candle Size: Larger candles are suitable for long-term use, regular-sized ones for everyday use, and smaller candles for gifting or sampling.

· Candle Weight: Heavier candles may indicate denser wax and potentially longer burn times. Compare weights across similar sizes for a fair value assessment.

· Burn Time: Check the estimated burn times for each size/type - longer burn times generally provide better value as consumers prefer candles that last longer.

· Burn Characteristics: Evaluate burn characteristics like consistency and soot production, along with durability aspects such as resistance to tunnelling and wick drowning for overall satisfaction and investment value.

Conclusion

As we feature local creative artisans, the Goose Island Candle Company embodies the spirit of community and craftsmanship. Carly and Nigel have transformed their kitchen table endeavour into a successful business that offers high-quality candles while fostering connections with local customers. Their commitment to sustainability and creativity aligns perfectly with the values of contemporary consumers.

Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect gift or a special treat for yourself, the Goose Island Candle Company invites you to explore their enchanting creations that promise to bring warmth and joy to any space.

Join us in celebrating this local gem and supporting the artistry that fuels our local community’s vibrant spirit.

We’re thrilled to offer Goose Island Candle Company products! Explore their stunning selection of handcrafted candles here and find the perfect scent for any setting. If you’ve tried their candles before, we invite you to share your favourite scent(s) and experiences here

Much love

Nic x