A few weeks ago we posted on social media a simple question: “What’s your story?” Laura Luca came back to us with hers. Here is the story behind WhiteWick- revealing a business woman with passion and determination. You can contact Laura @white_wick
How did the idea for your business come about?
I was stuck in life. I’m a qualified Architectural Drafter, but sitting at a desk all day for eight hours really takes a toll on your body and mind. I thought about going back to uni or taking a short course but nothing felt right. It was all just so confusing for me. I needed to use a talent / hobby and try starting up a side business. Then one day, on a day off from work…I took a random candle making class. I just happened to wonder down a shopping area and came across the candle store. That’s when it made sense; after taking this class that day, I walked away knowing I was meant to do what I love – Candles.
I have a very strong connection with my Nonna (Grandma). Ever since coming from Italy to live in Australia, her only job was to make clothes in a factory. anyway, we both have always loved heat-packs, so I one day thought to have my Nonna make them and we fill them will Wheat and Lavender. Heat Packs are the other side to my business! The material is beautiful and so are the patterns! Plus it’s so cute watching her on the sewing machine!
What do you enjoy most about what your do?
I enjoy this new path that I’m on now because its more about who I am as a person – creative & quirky. I unfortunately had been diagnosed with a AVM in the brain and required Radiotherapy back when I was around 20. Due to the extensive amount of radiotherapy it took around 5 years to have it finally gone, but I also have Epilepsy from when I was little. So my health has been a little on the tough side – but it makes me appreciate life a lot more!
If you needed to find me, I was mostly in my room, drawing, painting, playing with candles and essential oils. I used my creative side to get away from all the worries. So this business makes me enjoy receiving feedback from people I make candles for. Having people enjoy my Facebook page and Instagram just helps inspire me to continue to wanting to make this business becoming more beautiful and bigger! I love making people happy. I want people to value life. I want people to chase their dreams too. Support also is a big one. It’s all apart of living a happier life. I just hope I make people smile and enjoy my product. My candles and Heat packs are honestly made from the heart.
What steps have you put in place to grow your business?
After taking the candle class, I then researched with my husband the types of wax that were most popular, types of wicks and what fragrances were more popular. We wanted to know what wax was better for your health. We even conducted a few surveys with people to help us know what was going to work or not.
We then created our Instagram feed and started to attend markets. I sent out samples to people to get feedback – as I think it’s something that’s constantly required. I also collaborate with a beautiful talented woman who makes concrete pots and puts plants in them, but one day she contacted me and now I also make the candles for her and we sell them at a local store called “Lamanna.”
We have also actually just started our eBay site & web page too.
What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?
Thinking the same as what my husband is thinking. haha. He is a qualified Industrial Designer.
So we really were having pillow fights in the lounge when it came to what we thought was better. I have always respected his creative side and sharpness on how things should look, but there were moments it became hard to decide on what we should do. Then it really came down to paper, scissors, rock – joking! haha
When are you most productive in your business?
I try to be as productive as possible in every way possible. It’s hard at times with the Epilepsy because we do need to rest and not become stressed out. But having my husband next to me helping, makes things a lot easier and he really pulls me back to earth when I have a million things & ideas going on in my head. I’d say almost every night is when our Ideas combine and we can be really productive.
How do you try to stand out in a saturated (candle) market?
Simplicity but modern. Naturalness. Clear. A dash of colour. I always believed that good old saying “Less is more!”
Even though it isn’t part of our product, I love flowers. so I really like to add beautiful fresh flowers in our photos and near the candles and heat-packs on our the market stand.
What next?
We both really love Essential oils and it’s always been something really big on my bucket list to have. We both really love Japanese Tea & of course we LOVE Home décor. So in a few years time, hopefully we can somewhat extend the business to just more than candles and heat-packs.
We can only have dreams and hope we work hard enough to make them come true.
I sent out samples to people to get feedback – as I think it’s something that’s constantly required. I also collaborate with a beautiful talented woman who makes concrete pots and puts plants in them, but one day she contacted me and now I also make the candles for her and we sell them at a local store called “Lamanna.”
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