I’ve always loved the idea of creating something beautiful with my own hands. For years, I dreamed of having a little shop filled with handmade things – candles, soaps and all sorts of treasures made with care.

Over the years, I dabbled in making soaps and candles, but it wasn’t until I found myself at a crossroads that I decided it was time to stop dreaming about it and actually give it a go. After many years spent supporting others in my work, I wanted to make something of my own – something creative, personal and completely mine.

And so DitsyJaffa began: a little leap of faith and a chance to see where an idea could take me.

The scents are inspired by all sorts of things. Northumberland has always been a place I love, so its landscapes, seasons and memories naturally find their way into some of them. Others come from favourite places, people, everyday experiences, things I’ve remembered, or simply an idea that makes me think, I wonder what that would smell like?

That’s probably my favourite part of making candles – taking something that exists in my head and figuring out how to turn it into a scent. Sometimes it works straight away. Sometimes it takes a few attempts. And occasionally, something completely unexpected comes out of it.

Creating DitsyJaffa has given me the chance to build something in a way that feels right for me: thoughtful, creative and personal. With the support of my family, a lot of experimenting and plenty of passion, I’m excited to see where this little idea goes next.