There's something magical about candles. They add ambience and atmosphere to a room; they're warm, cosy and soothing; they can add fragrance and ornamentation to your home; they shine a light in the darkness.
There's also something quite special about succulents. They're tough and hardy and come in all shapes and colours and are easy to plant and maintain. And just like candles, succulents can be used to ornament your home.
Now, what happens when you combine your love for candles with your love for succulents?
Well, you make them, and start setting up your own business so that the rest of Canberra can enjoy them too, of course! And this is exactly what Deb Williams Wray and her son Tyler have done.
Welcome to Paw'd Candles and Succulents.
Introducing Paw'd Candles and SucculentsPaw'd Candles and Succulents is the brainchild of Canberrans Deb Williams Wray and her 23-year-old son, Tyler. They specialise in homemade soy candles and creating succulents in upcycled or quirky containers. The business is in the process of being set up-which means they're not selling anything as yet at the time of writing, but it's fascinating to follow them on social media and have a sneak peek at their tantalising creations, as well as be one of the first customers to be ready when their business officially opens!
Meet Deb, Tyler and a dog named Des!Deb is a qualified hairdresser in Canberra but has always loved candles. So she decided to learn how to make them herself. Her son Tyler helps her make the candles.
"Tyler is quite a creative soul and seems to enjoy decorating and making things look nice," Deb tells me.
"Two years ago he bought himself a little onsite van down the south coast and he has redecorated it with a coastal vintage theme and has used lots of recycled/upcycled items. It looks amazing!"
Tyler was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome when he was 15 after wanting to know why he didn't think the same way as other people his age.
"I always knew he was unique," Deb says.
"But I never wanted him to have a "label". His diagnosis really changed his mindset as he says he knew then why he was "different"."
Tyler is passionate about the business and plays a major role in setting it up.
"He assists with making the candles," Deb says.
"He is the master of wax melting using the double boiler pot -we use the old method rather than a new age wax melter that a lot of candle makers use these days. He's is also an Admin on the Facebook page and helps with taking the photos." As for the succulents, that's Tyler's speciality.
Paw'd Candles and Succulents is named after Deb and Tyler's 12-year-old Staffy called Diesel (Des for short). They rescued Des from the pound when he was 8 months old and had been living in there for 68 days. Unfortunately, Des has a tumour next to his colon that is inoperable.
"So we don't know how much longer we will have him for," Deb tells me.
"So we wanted to do something to honour his memory when he passes."
A look at what's in storeDeb and Tyler have been very busy making their luscious candles and succulents. Here are some of the kinds of products they expect to sell once their business officially opens.
Like this gorgeous Strawberry Shortcake-scented candle with a magical Smokey Quartz hiding inside.
And this gorgeous candle, scented in amazon sugar apple, with an orange calcite crystal hiding inside.
Here are the Ralph Lauren-scented candle and Egyptian Oudh-scented candle in their exotic glass holders.
And these delicious candles scented in pink sugar.
As well as these lamington-scented candles and blueberry cheesecake candles that smell just oh so good to eat!
If you prefer succulents to candles, then you'll love Tyler's creations in their upcycled or rather quirky containers. Deb reveals that succulents are Tyler's 'baby.' "
He has made a lot for family and friends," she tells me.
"And we have a huge collection in our front and rear yards and rear deck. Tyler is a keen gardener, and you'll often find him out the front tending to his creations humming away to himself."
Follow Deb, Tyler and Des
You can keep up to date with Deb, Tyler and Des and all their tantalising creations via their Facebook page
here. Once the business is officially open, Deb expects the candles to range in price from $10 -$40 each depending on size and type of container.
However, there's one thing she guarantees with every candle and succulent: they are all paw'd and crafted with love!
"Just because you have a disability, it doesn't mean you can't achieve things in life."
Deb
