Lucy started Lubylu as a hobby business from her kitchen table and it has quickly grown into a desirable product range of handmade home fragrances.
Lucy uses soy wax and other natural vegetable waxes to produce a cleaner burning candle and a more discernible scent throw. The soy wax that Lucy uses comes from sustainable sources and also Lucy tries to, where possible, source her materials, packaging and other business support from UK suppliers.
Lucy’s aim has always been to create something elegant and desirable with a hint of fun that is affordable as an everyday luxury, but which also makes a very welcome gift for any occasion.
We’re so happy to be chatting to Lucy today as part of our Behind The Wick series.
Tell us a little about yourself – what originally drew you to making candles and launching your own business?
I’ve always been a little bit crafty! I used to make my dolls clothes when I was younger and even made them a house out of cardboard boxes – it was more fun to make then to play with.
I tried jewellery making, even doing a silversmith course briefly, I used to make cards and still love doing the occasional ones. I came across the concept of scented wax melts about 8 years ago when looking for additional items to stock with my cards to make lovely gift sets. I did a lot of research about waxes, soy wax in particular and decided that that was what I wanted to use.
To begin with I just made for friends and family but then the business took off as people saw how effective scented soy wax melts are. I had started making candles by then and had been on great course to learn some of the finer details. I take pride in my candles having a special finishing touch, the decoration and glitter are very special to me.
Tell us about the process that goes into making your lovely candles? What wax/products do you use?
I use soy wax for both my candles and melts, different blends but they are both not genetically modified and are sustainably sourced which is important to me.
Soy wax melts at a much lower temperature to paraffin wax and is very delicate – it can be quite a fickle mistress if I’m honest! The wax is heated and the desired colour is added along with the fragrance oil. I then allow the mixture to come to the right temperature to pour. Once the wax has set completely I trim the wicks and decorate the candles. This is the fun but although it is very time consuming and fiddly.
What’s your inspiration for coming up with new scents?
New scents are often seasonal or follow fashion trends. I do have a Lubylu’s Little Helper who often has a say in new fragrances, in fact my new Melon & Cucumber was designed by her.
What is your favourite candle scent of all the candles you make?
I have lots of favourites and to be honest it changes depending on my mood and which room I’m in BUT having said that, Fresh Linen has been with me from the start and will always be part of my core range as it’s one of the nicest scents I have ever smelled. It’s similar in some ways to cool cotton, clean cotton and other fresh laundry scents but there is something that makes it stand part from them and makes it stand out for me.
Are there any scent combinations you’ve tried that have turned into a total disaster? What about happy accidents?
I’m not a big fan of heavy florals or chocolate type scents. I did used to have a blend called ‘Mochachociato’ which I did like but wasn’t popular as it was so strong it over powered everything else.
I did a blend for a friend who loves Patchouli (I’m not a fan) which encompassed Vanilla and Rose as well which worked very well. Another happy accident was when I had some left over peppermint scented wax and I poured it into my burner which has cinnamon in – it went really well and ‘Cinnamint’ was born!
Are there any other candle brands that you like and buy from? (What are your favourite scents from those brands?)
I have bought from Stoneglow and absolutely love their Silver Birch and Black Pepper. The White Company have some beautifully named scents and I also love the Jo Loves scent names. I like to try other brands and especially love it when a candle burns properly.
What five items would you take to a desert island? (One has to be something you sell…)
I would take a notebook. I love writing lists and keeping a track of ideas and insprirations.
My phone. I may not have a signal but I could take photos until the battery ran out!
Lip gloss, because a girl can’t be without her lip gloss!
Lubylu Warming Wax Bowl Set – They’d be great to make the area smell lovely as the heat on a desert island would allow the scents to be released.
Matches, because I need to be a little bit practical!
Have you any new and exciting creations planned that you’d like to share with us?
At Harrogate Home & Gift I will be launching my Christmas scents including Cranberry Marmalade, Gingerbread Cottage, Clementine & Clove, Holly Berry Brulée, Snowflake Flutter and Tipsy Irish Cream.
Also, I’ll have samples of the new “LL” Range – beautifully and naturally elegant candles with silver lids which come in their own bespoke white gift box. (Ooooh they sound fabulous!)
Thank you to Lucy for chatting to us and you can find her and all her fabulous creations on Facebook, Pinterest and on Twitter @LubyluDesigns.
If you’re a candle maker and would like to be featured in our new series please contact us at 2girls@vanillaandlime.com.
