On Sunday the 20th of November, I sold my candles at Blackrock Market! The weeks leading up to the 20th of November I spent lots of time hand-crafting candles. To make my candles I require of few materials, and time. I received many empty glass jars, in various shapes and sizes, from lots of people, which was very kind and helpful! I also bought quite a few jars when I went to Holland during mid-term. I am more familiar with the shops in Holland than in Ireland, so I knew exactly which shops would have what I needed for my mini company. We flew to Holland and checked in a half-empty suitcase. On the return flight, the suitcase was filled to the brim with jars, candles, ribbon and lots of Dutch products! I made a point of making each candle unique, so my products would be original and have lots of variety. However, creating individual candles with each their own style and design requires lots of creativity and time! The experience of making the candle was great and it was quite a challenge to create a product that people are willing to pay for. All together I made 40 candles, which I would sell at Blackrock market. As I am running this mini company on my own, I thought it would be more fun to invite a few friends to help me sell them at Blackrock market, as opposed to me standing at my stall the whole day on my own! So, I invited two old friends to help me out. The two girls used to both be in my class in Belgium, and have since also moved to Ireland like me. Ella is Irish and lives near Killester. Claire is half Irish, half Dutch (just like me!) and came to Ireland this year; she goes to boarding school in St. Columbas; she was very grateful to come, as staying at boarding school over the weekend is a little boring. Together, the three of us made posters to promote my product, and printed business cards to give out to passing, possible customers. We also decided on the pricing of the candles, and the presentation of them. It was so much easier having an extra two people to help me! On the morning on Sunday the 20th of November, we woke up sleepy eyed and placed everything in the car. We had already prepared everything the night before, so we wouldn’t be in a rush the next morning! Honestly, I was excited and slightly nervous. I had no idea what to expect, I wasn’t sure if I would have a big or small table, if it was inside or outside… We quickly set up the table, and lay out the 40 candles I had made. We brought ivy from my garden and placed this carefully at the back of the table, to make the table look Christmassy and eye-catching. My mum gave me a beautiful Christmas tablecloth to use as well, and I brought fairy lights to make the table look inviting. I was actually very pleased with how my candles were presented, it was better than I had expected! Throughout the day, people strolled by our table. Some glanced at the table, other stopped to inspect the candles, other commented on how cute and original they were. However, despite the attention our table got, not many people bought the candles! Blackrock market seems to be more for people to look around and browse the stalls, it's not really a market where people purposely go out to buy presents or spend money. My candles ranged from a price of €5.50 to €2.50, which was cheap compared to other products at Blackrock market! Another lady further on was selling candles from Kerry and they cost €8 to €12. A singer called Hudson Taylor walked past our table. I didn’t recognise him, but my friend Ella did as she’s a big fan of his band! Apparently she saw him in concert recently. Ella got very excited and talked to him, she even gave him a business card of my mini company and took a selfie with him! Who knows, Hudson Taylor could one day endorse my candles?! Altogether we sold 11 candles, which wasn’t too bad. I had to pay a reduced price of €20 (since I am a student) to the manager of Blackrock market for my table. I was freezing by the time we had to pack up our stuff. My table was in a sort of passageway with no heating. I was grateful for a warm car when we drove back home! Selling my candles at Blackrock market was very fun and great learning experience. I am impressed that it all worked out, I had made enough candles on time, I had decorations to present my product, I had business cards and posters prepared too! I am very glad I am part of the mini company programme provided by the school. I hope my product will do well in the Student Enterprise Awards!
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My Mini CompanyFor Business this year we have to create our own mini company. I have decided mine would be called 'Sophie's Little Candle Shop' and that my company would be specialized in candles in jars! Click here to find out more about my mini company and how I came up with the idea. Archives
April 2017
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