Doncaster women start candle business after lockdown meant they couldn’t work their beauty jobs

Two beauticians have started up their own candle business as a way to stay creative whilst current guidelines mean they can’t work in their salon.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward started their small business Sculpt Homes in January of 2021.

Together they make natural soy wax home decor candles from their homes in the town centre.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It has helped us mentally to start up this business,” Ella, 22, said.

Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward of Sculpt Homes.Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward of Sculpt Homes.
Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward of Sculpt Homes.

“We’re both creative people and going from doing 12 hours in a busy salon to just being at home wasn’t great.”

Read More
This is how small businesses are bucking the trend to thrive in Doncaster town c...

The pair taught themselves online how to make candles and ordered the equipment and tools that they needed to get started.

It wasn’t smooth sailing at first.

Candle made by Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward.Candle made by Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward.
Candle made by Ella Hartshorn and Ellie May Woodward.

Ellie, 21, said: “In the beginning it was all going wrong and we started to think ‘what have we done,’ but after reaching out to others who make candles and doing a lot of online research it started to turn around.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both women work at the salon Twins but have not been able to work with their clients since the current lockdown began.

“Being self employed has been really hard,” Ellie said.

“We’ve had no help from the government but this has been a way to earn a wage whilst at home.”

The "bubble" candle.The "bubble" candle.
The "bubble" candle.

Despite the negative impact that Covid-19 has had on their main jobs the women say that it has helped their new candle business thrive.

Ella said: “More people have been at home and thinking about interior design which has been great for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It also helped that more people have been spending their time on social media - which is where we have really thrived.”

They initially received a lot of support from their clients but as their business has grown they have reached a much bigger audience.

The women are excited to get back to working in the beauty field but will be continuing their candle business after April 12.

They currently sell candles in the shape of female bodies, shells and Greek statues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the future the women want to expand their business into other home ware accessories.

You can check out their candles on their website here or on their Instagram here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

Related topics: