[AD] By HeatherMay is a small, family-run business based in Ripley in Amber Valley, Derbyshire. The mother daughter team hand craft quality home fragrance products such as candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, oils and fragrance hangers – and hosts fun and friendly creative workshops.
By HeatherMay offers an enriching, engaging experience. The gift shop and studio is a treasure trove of delights, full of thoughtful gifts guaranteed to wow you. Whilst shopping, customers can see products being designed, individually made, and packaged with on hand support to help you choose the perfect fragrance and product. Everything created is vegan, handmade and UK sourced – including a wide range of products from other small businesses, for instance natural soaps, shower steamers and bath bombs.
A family affair
The brand is named after founder, Heather and her daughter, May. It’s a family business in every sense of the word. Heather initially received lots of support from her Mum who helped at trade and craft shows and still continues to assist in the running of the business. Today, daughter, May helps keep the brand fresh and offers insight into appealing to younger customers. Such family involvement helps By HeatherMay offer a truly personal service, something that is highly valued by their customers.
The story behind the brand
Heather initially worked in graphic design, but wanted more family-friendly employment. After becoming a full time Mum she read an article about soy wax, a product which was relatively unheard of in the UK at the time, despite being popular in America. Heather was drawn to the endless possibilities and benefits of soy wax.
This natural, renewable resource, is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, cleaner-burning and less likely to trigger allergies. Made without toxins, or pollutants, soy wax is biodegradable and cleans up with ease. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax and because of this, soy candles burn slower, cleaner and longer with less soot.
Starting in her kitchen, Heather created candles in unique vintage vessels – such as ornate, antique dishes. She loved the idea of re-using, refilling and repurposing beautiful objects.
As Heather gradually fell in love with the art of candle making, she experimented with a wide range of fragrances and designs.
Initially her customers were friends and family, but after finding success at a local market she was approached by a shop in Belper who became the first stockist of her teacup candles.
From her kitchen, Heather progressed to working in her garage and then eventually a workshop space in Ripley. Heather moved into her current premises, situated in the heart of Ripley town centre in 2017, as she wanted her first retail space and somewhere to hold creative classes to share her passion with others, which have become incredibly popular.
Fun, friendly workshops and creative classes
By HeatherMay hosts classes throughout the week, when the shop fills with animated chatter and a lovely atmosphere. As well as Heather hosting her own candle and fragrance workshops, she also plays host to other experienced tutors.
Workshops are available in fused glass, silver jewellery, pottery, floristry, arm knitting, calligraphy, wire art, willow weaving with more coming throughout the year. The workshops always receive glowing reviews with many people returning again and again. Full information and booking is available online.
Heather also offers personalised, bespoke, private classes. For a minimum of six people, the workshops can be completely tailored and themed. Vintage teas, bucks fizz or champagne can be added on request. Heather takes great pleasure and pride in designing something personal that gives people joy. A bespoke workshop would be a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday, baby shower, hen party or any other occasion that warrants a party – or just time to catch up with friends. Team building and corporate events can also be catered for.
Small business success
Over the years the brand has gone from strength to strength, successfully harnessing e-commerce. As well as selling on their own website, By HeatherMay has achieved incredible success on Etsy amassing over 6,000 sales and consistently awarded five star reviews.
In recent years a refill station has been added to the shop. This complements the strong environmental ethos of By HeatherMay. A wide range of bath and body products are stocked from high quality brands such as Faith in Nature. Customers can bring their own containers to refill, or purchase a range of attractive refillable vessels. The refill station is also available to shop online.
One of the delightfully unique offerings is the opportunity to ‘Build Your Own Reed Diffuser’. Select from an attractive range of vases and beautifully styled apothecary bottles, choose your long-lasting fragrance (all paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free) and your choice of natural reeds, including beautiful floral options, for a completely personalised and bespoke product which can be refilled for many years to come.
On the first of July, By HeatherMay will celebrate their twelfth anniversary. Exciting plans are afoot – be sure to be following By HeatherMay’s Facebook or Instagram and sign up to the newsletter to be the first to hear about the celebrations.
Details:
By Heather May Studio and Gift Shop, 8-10 Chapel Street, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3DL
Directly opposite Lidl car park (where Lidl customers can park free for 90 minutes).
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