Grace and James Candle Co...
I was super excited to sit down with the lovely Emma Davenport from Grace and James Candle Co to discuss her love of her candles. If you have a candle obsession like me then you need to try Grace and James Candles.
You will fall in love with the soy and coconut oil wax blend which are all hand poured in Melbourne. They feature a 100% cotton double wick which ensures optimal burning that lasts up to 80 hours. Grace and James was born out of a love of homewares, art and an obsession with candles. Emma Davenport the owner and founder of Grace and James worked tirelessly to source and develop a 100% local product that is still affordable.
The packaging is an absolute standout, each candle is adorned with exclusive designs by some of Australia's favourite Artists... keep reading to find out more about this fabulous Candle Company and the gorgeous Emma...
Tell us about how Grace and James Candle Co started?
It started out as an obsession with homewares and candles and I guess at the time when the idea started to evolve I was really looking for a challenge, so as you do I decided to start my own brand. It wasn't that simple of course, but all big things have to start somewhere. And it started with ALOT of research. Everything grew organically from there.
We love your collaboration with some of Australia's favourite artists and designers for your debut range's art work - why did you decide to do this?
I wanted Grace and James to have a significant point of difference. I remember at Fashion Week a few years ago Lavazza had teamed up with Australian Designers to design a range of exclusive keep cups and I loved how people were finding new ways to showcase design. Really any excuse to collaborate with other creatives continues to make work fun and keep things exciting for everyone involved. Brands like Tom Dixon and Kevin Murphy has always done packaging very well and I loved how well it was received. I wanted to do that and it's reflective of Melbourne, the consumer is very visual nowadays so not only do we have to create a luxury, quality and ethical product. It needs to look amazing too.
Grace and James is a 100% local product - how important was this to you when developing your product?
They are! But it's 100% worth it! We pride ourselves on being locally poured right here in Melbourne, our artists are all local Aussies, our boxes are printed and assembled locally. That's not to say we're only limiting ourselves to Australia but if we can get an eliminate of our product here we will, our candles will always be hand poured in Melbourne though. We've had so much love from fans around the world wanted to stock our product because they love it's Australian, as far as Japan, Canada, Europe and the US. It’s really important to us and we hope that when people pick up one of our candles they know it’s not just an 80 hour, all natural, double wick scented candle… but it’s Australian made too.
Can you tell us about the creative process you go through when making candles and choosing your scents?
The process of creating scents is really trial and error. The goal is always to create something that's unique and different so we're always prepared for some doozies. All our scents are made using natural essential oils and it's all about balance so we usually select one dominant scent and then balance it out with more subtle notes to compliment. Our signature size takes two days to pour because they are so big. So we prepare everything, pour on day one and then they need to rest overnight. On day 2 we'll come back and top them up to finish.
What does a typical day involve for you?
A typical day would be lovely. It will always start and end with emails, that's once constant. But look everyday is different, I'll be between my house/office and the warehouse at least 2 days a week, sending out online orders, visiting retail stores, working on new product development, social media, we do custom wedding and event candles too so working with clients on those, lots of admin!
What can we expect next for Grace and James?
Well, we have a few new exciting projects in the works. We're collaborating with one of my favourite artists so that candle will be available in the New Year. Plus we have a really cool product that I'm really excited about. It's taken a while to get it to exactly what I was after but we're really happy so that will also be available very soon.
What is Grace and James best ‘pinch me’ moment so far?
Oh, good question. We recently did an exclusive range for Portmans which was pretty pinch me. They are a huge Aussie brand and we were so chuffed when they approached us. The 4 scent range features prints from Portmans Summer collection and they're available in select Portmans stores and online at www.portmans.com.au
Who are your favourite designers for inspiration at the moment?
Ah good question, I love Hunting For George. They've just realised a new bedding range and I'm in love with everything! I also love Casa Kuma for their simplicity, when it comes to fashion I'm obsessed with staple basics and these guys do it so well. Homewares though anything Megan Weston or Jai Vasicek touch turns to gold, they are another level.
Top 3 instagram accounts you follow and why?
You mean aside from Dot and Pop?
@damselindior haha I don't even know why, I think I'm slightly obsessed with Jacey. She's my style inspiration for sure.
@loveshopshare because she take incredible photos and she's a total babe
@graceandjamescandleco need I explain?
Introducing Grace and James custom wedding & event range...
Custom Wedding & Event Candles - Want to send your guests home with something extra special?
