From Teacher to Candles....Why The Change?
I've taught for 15 years and to be honest, it wasn't for me. I wanted to be my own boss and make my own decisions. To do that, I would have to become a Principle and I certainly didn't want that!
I love being creative and I've always loved candles so it seemed the natural thing to do - not that it happened straight away. From idea to actually putting into action took 3 years of procrastination, then another 2 of hard work to now being able to stop teaching and work full time in the business.
What is that you love about market life?
I love EVERYTHING about market life. The first 2 years I still worked full time and did the markets on weekends.....that has to be love!
I have made great friends who are down-to-earth but overall the biggest plus is the love the customers have for my product. 2 years later and I am still blown away that people go crazy for something I have made with my own hands!
Your range is fantastic! One to suit every taste. How long does it take to put these babies together?
It is quite hard work and everything has to look perfect. What i find most frustrating is putting the ribbon and diamante on my Elegance Range.....it drives me crazy because it takes so long. But I can't not do it, cause it's my best seller!
Out everything you could have done, why candles?
I suppose no-one ever really thinks they are good at doing anything else (after being in Education for so many years), so when I decided to leave teaching, I thought "wow, what else can I do?" I've only ever taught!
I did apply for many jobs, including supermarket night-fill, but it was really difficult and I pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be a teacher forever.
Then I started making candles for fun. Turns out I was pretty good at it and the rest, as they say, is history!
I've taught for 15 years and to be honest, it wasn't for me. I wanted to be my own boss and make my own decisions. To do that, I would have to become a Principle and I certainly didn't want that!
I love being creative and I've always loved candles so it seemed the natural thing to do - not that it happened straight away. From idea to actually putting into action took 3 years of procrastination, then another 2 of hard work to now being able to stop teaching and work full time in the business.
What is that you love about market life?
I love EVERYTHING about market life. The first 2 years I still worked full time and did the markets on weekends.....that has to be love!
I have made great friends who are down-to-earth but overall the biggest plus is the love the customers have for my product. 2 years later and I am still blown away that people go crazy for something I have made with my own hands!
Your range is fantastic! One to suit every taste. How long does it take to put these babies together?
It is quite hard work and everything has to look perfect. What i find most frustrating is putting the ribbon and diamante on my Elegance Range.....it drives me crazy because it takes so long. But I can't not do it, cause it's my best seller!
Out everything you could have done, why candles?
I suppose no-one ever really thinks they are good at doing anything else (after being in Education for so many years), so when I decided to leave teaching, I thought "wow, what else can I do?" I've only ever taught!
I did apply for many jobs, including supermarket night-fill, but it was really difficult and I pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be a teacher forever.
Then I started making candles for fun. Turns out I was pretty good at it and the rest, as they say, is history!
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Lucky for us, Shane is now a well-entrenched addition to our Rouse Hill Markets where you can find him every week, rain hail or shine and Shane we thank you for sharing your story with us!