Fabulous Female Founder Seniz Azizoglu (Shen) shares her start-up story of candle brand Nostaljik
Tell us your story and how and why you started Nostaljik?
Growing up I always associated smells with memories and if I stepped into a room the smell would always transport me back to a place and time. This year, while sitting at my nana's I wished I could bottle up the smell and take it home with me…
Shen and her sister
I have always had an obsession with candles and have bought and tested so many, but I forever felt something was missing. Now I know it wasn’t the scent that I was trying to recreate but the memory.
I started my business Nostaljik as I wanted to create a scent that would transport people back to a place and time and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Growing up I travelled quite a lot and wanted to create a range that people could associate with a location and memory.
How much did you have to put into the business to get it going?
£4500. I used my savings and believed it was a reasonable amount to invest to get a small business up and running. I did my research to find the most competitive suppliers to get the best cost to keep my profit margin healthy. I gave myself a target and predicted that I would make the money back in three months, fortunately, I am very grateful that I managed to make it back within two.
Have you always loved scented candles?
Yes, since I can remember I’ve always had a passion for home décor and interior design. I lived on my own since the age of 16 and always felt that candles gave me a sense of security and created a warm, homely feel. I love to create the perfect ambience. One of the first candles I ever brought was from The White Company which has always been a huge inspiration of mine.
Had you always been planning to start in 2020 or did the lockdown inspire you?
Throughout the years I kept a journal and jotted down my memories and travel experiences. I always knew I wanted to do something with home décor and fragrance. I merged my love of travel with my love of candles and came up with the name Nostajik. In February 2020, whilst at home recovering from an operation I had three months off work, that’s when I began making candles. Combining my travel-related memories with my love of candles and referring back to my journal, Nostaljik was officially launched on August 31 2020.
What waxes do you use and are the candles all hand-poured?
The candles, wax-melts and diffusers are all hand poured by myself. Our candles are 100% vegan soy wax and diffusers are only with a 100% eco-friendly blend the candles have a burn time of up to 60+ hours depending on how they are looked after. Trimming the wick etc The reason behind this was to create a non-toxic burn, as I grew up with animals and didn’t want to expose them to chemicals.
How long does it take to make one candle?
It only takes 20 minutes to bring a candle to the perfect temperature and boiling point. It can take up to 4 hours to perfectly set and cure your candle.
How do you know what smells to match with each city?
I always associated smells with a certain feeling and wrote things down in my journal whilst travelling. I constantly got a sense of nostalgia from places I’d been to which helped me to merge scents with destinations.
What new candles are on the horizon?
For Valentines Day we are launching a Venice Candle called Petalo di Rosa – which is a beautiful rose petal and oud scent. Coinciding with this we have a Las Vegas– Whiskey Candle.
Your favourite candle in your collection, yes you do have to choose one!
Cyprus Jasmine candle, this scent is my favourite as its where I’m from and gives me the nostalgic feeling of being back home.
How many are currently in your collection?
Including the two which are soon to be launching, we have 17 different destinations and fragrances.
There are so many candle brands on the market, what sets Nostaljik apart from other scented candles?
We are a brand evoking memories through scent. We celebrate sense ability to give you nostalgia and transport you to your favourite destination.
Where do you source your perfumes from or do you use essential oils?
We use a mixture of essential oils and quality fragrance oils from high-end, premium suppliers.
Do you charge for shipping?
For any purchases above £45, we offer free shipping, for any purchases below that threshold we charge a standard shipping price of £3.75.
What were you doing before?
I am currently a full-time Retail Manager for a premium brand, with 18-years’ worth of experience.
What gets you up in the morning?
My cats.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from my passion for travel, interior and photography. I am always inspired by the things around me, even the smallest of things like the way an object looks on a table, I find beauty in the simplest of things.
An object you would never part with
My passport. My freedom of travel is priceless.
The biggest female influence in your life
Both my nan’s, they are both cut from the same cloth, old school and passionate with a good ethic.
In my suitcase, I packed..
Sunglasses, my journal and my candles.
Where would you like to go next?
Japan.
Your favourite place you’ve been to?
Impossible to choose, but some of my best experiences have been in Las Vegas… (baby)
Your favourite website
A recent “find” or brand
For my love of antiques, Aubespoke Studio.
If you were to buy a magazine subscription which one would it be?
I currently have a subscription to House and Garden UK.
In your fridge, you’ll always find
A selection of cheeses.
The beauty staple you’ll never without
By Terry Baume de Rose lip balm
If you had to save one item from a fire..
My photo album, memories are everything.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR NOSTALJIK?
We are currently building our homeware range and are expecting to launch new products by summer 2021.