What started out as a quest to find the right candles has turned into a business for Sharon Grimsey from Aromatica Bargara.
Sharon started the business seven years ago as Aromatica Candles and Melts soon after moving to the Bundaberg region.
“I bought some beautiful candles in Mackay and when l moved to Bundaberg, l could not find the same long lasting strong fragranced quality candle,” Sharon said.
“After some consideration and a lot of research l decided to make my own.
“From there, a lot of practice and encouragement from friends and family l started selling at local Shalom Markets and other markets and the business has grown every year.”
Sharon started making candles in upcycled containers, tea cups and saucers, jugs, sugar bowls and old jars, soon adding mosaic candles.
“Now l don't use old wares, although l have to say l miss that side of it.”
Sharon’s main focus now is on her Reed Diffuser range, candles made in upmarket vessels ranging from 90g to 500g of wax, and melts.
“Last year l completed a Cosmetic Science Course and have added 100% natural soaps, balms and Room Sprays to the range.”
One of her points of difference is the beautiful packaging.
“My reed diffuser packaging features graphics designed by local graphic artist Renee Lester from Excellerate designs.
“We are working on making the whole range look beautiful and unique.
“Another big focus is the fact that l source local and Australian products, where possible, including local macadamia oil, ginger and turmeric from Bunda Ginger, lime from Bundy Limes, lavender botanicals from Amandine Lavender and tea tree essential oil from Tea Tree Park near Agnes Water.
“I only use Australian clays and other Australian colourings in my Sea and Earth Soaps. It is amazing how many great local produce businesses we have in the area.”
Collaboration leads to Aromatica Bargara success
Collaboration has been a big part of Sharon’s Aromatica Bargara journey
“For over 5 years l have partnered with Helen from Amandine Lavender in Bargara.
“I started with making some candles and melts then we partnered in a big project that involved months of research and experimentation.
“This culminated in the development of the Robe Fragrance Bars with 4 Lavender fragrances, including distinctive packaging.
“At first Helen would order 20 or so bars which l had to make the bars, cut out the wrapping and wrap.
“She now sells over 300 a month, adding up to thousands over the last 5 years.
“I now make a large and varied range of products for Helen – it’s a fantastic partnership.
As well as stocking at Amandine Lavender, she also stocks her Aromatica Bargara products at Alliance Pharmacy Bargara, Sanshells Bargara, Artisans 4670 Bargara, Chippindall's Newsagency Down Town, Natures Emporium, pop up shops at Stockland Bundaberg and stores in Maryborough Gympie and Maroochydore.
Aromatica Bargara is constantly changing and expanding.
“With the current event of COVID-19, l have my webpage up and running and ironing out teething problems and have moved into beautiful gift boxes, which l will keep permanently on my webpage.
“We are definitely here for the long hall.”
And what is Sharon’s favourite fragrance?
“Sweetpea and vanilla candles and melts is still my favourite fragrance, even though I love the rest of the range.
“This is the fragrance that got me started in all of this, back when l moved to Bundaberg.” To keep up to date with Aromatica Bargara check their website and follow their Facebook page.
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