The art of handcrafted candles with Sarah Ryan, Quandialla Candle Co

A Friend of Mine by OAK Magazine

Artist and maker Sarah Ryan puts the perfect blend of nostalgia and vintage charm into Quandialla Candle Co.

Rather than be stressed by burning the business candle at both ends, she has created a way of working to suit her lifestyle and her brain.

Sarah’s handcrafted soy candles hit the market over a decade ago. It’s a one person show run on the family farm by the artist and former secondary art school teacher.

Sarah’s small batch candles suit a range of décors, while giving the nod to the vintage and intricate design of the nouveau art deco periods.

Sarah stays interested in the candles because they offer her an evolving creative project. There’s always a new product range, designs to tweak and scents to conjure.

Some key takeaways and lessons from this episode:

• Setting shorter-term goals and not putting too much pressure on oneself can lead to a more manageable and successful year.
• Increasing the number of products and seeking exposure through interviews can significantly impact sales and brand visibility.
• Collaborating with other creatives can lead to new opportunities and ventures.
• Embracing and maintaining a manageable business size can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling work-life experience.
• Being open about neurodivergent experiences can lead to self-discovery and understanding.

Also mentioned in this episode, Kate Barclay Photography, Belinda Mawhinney and The Collective Grenfell, Red Tractor Designs and She Makes News.

You can read our feature story on Sarah in OAK Magazine Issue 13.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR VIVIENNE CATE

Do you love the idea of taking the hard work out of shopping, knowing that someone else has curated for you endless apparel and homewares options that are high quality, often hand-made and always beautiful?

At Vivienne Cate, the focus is on natural fibres and a timeless, earthy style. You’ll find high quality clothing in classic styles; unique homewares such as cowhides and handmade ceramics; gorgeous aromatherapy-based skin and body products and so much more.

Karen, from Vivienne Cate, is all about connection and understanding what you need, and she offers a personal styling service by appointment.

Karen loves to support other regional women in business and has a wide network of talented friends from all over the country, whose work she stocks in store in the beautiful regional town of Yackandandah, in North East Victoria.

The Vivienne Cate website mirrors the charm of the bricks-and-mortar store, ensuring you can access the same carefully selected items with just a click.

Explore Vivienne Cate via the website or follow on Instagram.

ABOUT OAK MAGAZINE

This episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.

Stay social and connect with OAK Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.

For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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