Well that's all folks! Since opening the business and my online shop back in October 2014, I'm sorry to say that I have finally pulled down those virtual shutters and closed the online shop. I am no longer producing the handmade soy wax candles as it was becoming too much for little old me to keep up with! Family is still coming first and as my first born approaches his final GCSC year in school, I just feel that the time has come to press pause on candle making for a while.
It's been quite a journey and a most unexpected one as I had never pictured myself actually starting and running my own business. It just goes to show that you really can do when you just try! I have met some amazing people along the way, customers, fellow small business owners, crafters and retailers and I want to reach out and thank each and everyone of you for your support, encouragement and business. The alkamy business name will still be around for a while longer though, taking a new direction into running candle making workshops and lip balm making workshops - something I have been doing for about a year now and which I have LOVED doing so much. It fits in better with family life and gives me an opportunity to pass on some skills in a relaxed environment and have some fun too. Candle making workshops are currently run, and will continue to run, in Whitley Bay and Sedgefield at Re-create Today and From Loft to Loved. Ad-hoc workshops are also held at The Glasshouse, in North Shields. Details of these workshops can be found on the WORKSHOPS page on the website and you can book online too. I am always on the look out for new venues to hold workshops, so if you own a cafe, workshop space etc. and would like me to come and run a workshop for you - please email at info@alkamy.co.uk for further details. I am currently working with a number of charity organisations to offer workshops, so all budgets and requirements can be accommodated. Before I go, I just wanted to thank the following people for helping me out in the early days: Sandra (Meander Gifts, Whitley Bay) for becoming my first ever retail stockist and who always promoted the products so well for me and who became a good friend along the way too - I love you dearly and you always make me laugh and smile! The final batch of candles has gone to the shop - so there are limited stocks available there. Laura and Pete (Wild at Heart, Tynemouth) another great local retailer who opened their gift shop and gave me a chance! Thank you both. Sara (The Crafters Makery) and Angela (The Glasshouse) who stocked candles when the Crafters shop was opened and who also got me on to the idea of running workshops! Natalie (Newcastle University - Students Union) - who got me running workshops and made me realise that this was the way forward for me. You are a ray of sunshine, a ball of energy and I look forward to seeing you very soon. And finally, to everyone of you who has placed an order, bought a candle, or just left nice comments - THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH! You have made a middle aged lady very, very happy! Thank you all again and if you haven't attended a candle making workshop, come along - I would love to see you! Regards, Kay x |