FROM a hobby to a budding business, Mount Gambier resident Laura Wood is making a mark on the Blue Lake city with her creative range of candles and soaps.
Shaped like delicious treats including milkshakes and cakes and with scents of chocolate, mango, vanilla and cotton candy, the creations could be mistaken for a tasty treat instead of a bathroom item.
One of various start-up small businesses to set up stall at the recent Mount Gambier A&H Society Spring Show, the local resident shared with the community the array of 100pc personal hand-crafted products available, including bath bombs, moisturisers, hand creams and car diffusers.
“I had a great time at the show, people were really drawn to the fact that I am local and even if they didn’t buy anything at the time they were interested to learn more,” she said.
“I think I ended up selling more than last year, which was amazing, but it was also a great way to get my name out there.
“The volunteers at the show were very helpful and supportive and I am thankful for them for letting me have the stall.”
Starting up business around three years ago, Ms Wood said the journey has been full of ups and downs as she perfected her skill and branched out into different areas.
“I originally started with candles, but over the years have expanded to include a range of other items of varying scents,” she said.
“It can be difficult, sometimes I get to the end and am wrapping them up and they just break or I realise I forgot to put the scent in.
“But I do enjoy it and that is the main thing, plus I have met some really great people along the way.”
Often seen at markets around the region, Ms Wood said she was always looking at new ways to expand the business with plans to set up a pop-up shop later this year.
“Last year myself and a few other local businesses joined together and set up shop in the main street for around a month in the lead up to Christmas,” she said.
“It is an opportunity that we don’t usually have, being based in our own homes, to let people see what we do.”
