During that time, I had the pleasure of teaching in excess of 2000 people, stocking many shops and attending hundreds of events. I gained an incredible customer base, who proved to be incredibly loyal and many have gone on to become firm friends.
Following a reoccurring back injury, this business was closed in 2023 . Rising studio rent, utility and material costs also played a part in this, as the business was becoming unsustainable, without large price increases having to be made. During this time, conscious decisions were made to focus on specific parts of the business and scale right back.
My vision was to always be able to offer a ready made gift, that was priced sensibly and delivered on all fronts, particularly in its presentation. From this, Melts from The Potting Shed gradually was formed and, a year later, now offers around 34 different fragrances, which can be purchased on a pick n mix basis, each box providing between 150 and 200 hours.
I, once again, work from my kitchen, and am now based just outside of Bury St Edmund’s In Thurston. I choose not to supply wholesale as in doing so, my prices would have to be higher to provide a level of profit suitable for both parties. I just didn’t want to do this. I am, and always will be, primarily a market trader. I enjoy the interaction with my customers and there’s no better way of getting direct feedback.
I choose my fragrances carefully, ensuring I cover all genres, and many of these capture memories and envoke a sense of familiarity, which provides a feeling of comfort Both fragrance oils and essential oils are used, and these are added at the maximum load allowed, ensuring longevity (15-20 hours per cube).
Melts are by far the most economical way of getting fragrance into your house. A 10g square will offer, on average, the same “throw” (the term for smell in candlemaking), as a 20cl container candle (usually priced circa £18). Whilst some fragrances smell stronger than others, my melts generally equate to around 0.07p her hour.
Whilst I only offer one product, I offer many different sleeves to suit many requirements, including House Warming, Thank You, Just Because and Happy Birthday. These sentiments are growing and I’m always open to ideas on this front. Christmas remains the busiest time for my business and during the months of
November and December, I can be found at larger events throughout East Anglia. Christmas fragrances launch in October and, because I AM a small business, I really am very approachable. If a fragrance is withdrawn (as can be the case when new ones launch), whilst I have the oil, I will always help where I can if you feel you can’t live without it. Please, just ask! (contact me here).
Thank you for taking time to browse my shop and – if you’re in the East Anglia Region, I really hope I get a chance to meet you at an event (check my events page!)
Jo x
