Since launching five and a half years ago, Melbourne brand Alchemy Produx has become a hand poured candle powerhouse. The brainchild of Sara and Tristan McLelland, Alchemy’s soy wax candles in science beakers and flasks are instantly recognisable in stockists around the country.
From producing candles for family and friends to a fully-fledged business, the McLelland’s are continuing to expand Alchemy and launched a new range at Life Instyle Sydney last month.
The Terrazzo range includes a beaker candle, pillar candle and large empty beakers that are ideal for plant pots.
The beaker candle has two fragrances developed specifically for the new range—burnt oakmoss and amber teakwood—while the pillar candle with terrazzo base are scentless.
“The pillar candle with terrazzo base was another way to use the terrazzo material and we have never done a pillar candle before,” explains Sara.
“The pillars come in both light and dark to match the beakers and are scentless—the idea is that these are dinner candles and are designed for burning around food.”
Working as a husband and wife team has its challenges, says Sara, particularly not being able to switch off.
“I get so jealous of my friends who go on holidays and can forget about work totally; when you run your own company it is always in the back of your mind and there are always emails to be answered.
“So work/life balance is definitely a challenge and something both Tristan and I need to work on together.”
This is becoming even more important for the pair as they are expecting their first child. “This will definitely shake things up at the Alchemy HQ and force us into some of that work/life balance.
“This change has made us reflect on our brand and where we want to head. At the moment we are really trying to focus on our image and what our brand stands for—there’s a bit of soul searching and re-branding and product development going on.”
Despite the pressures of owning a small business, Sara says she loves it. She works on the business and not in it, which means she can concentrate on book keeping, social media and marketing.
“I am very interested in small business and love talking to other business owners and makers,” she explains.
“I love mentoring other small businesses and giving advice where I can, also just catching up with other makers to see what they have been up to and what they are doing differently.”
For others in the industry, Sara says there is a lot of support for small business in Australia that you can take advantage of.
“There are a lot of seminars and grants for small businesses. We have applied for an export grant and it gave us the chance to travel the world and attend trade shows.
“We have exhibited in New York and London so far and have found the response amazing, overseas buyers are loving the creativity and uniqueness coming out of Australia.”
The Terrazzo range will hit shelves in late May.
By Ruth Cooper
