Candle maker shines a light on Newcastle College business talent

07 December

A Newcastle College student who has launched a luxury scented candle business is set to taste the sweet smell of success after beginning talks with a number of major retailers.

Dean Francis has launched the Scented Jam Jar Company from his flat in Fenham in Newcastle after studying his HEFCs in English, Marketing and Quantitative methods at Newcastle Sixth Form College and now plans to take on high street brands such as Yankee Candles.

The 25 year old, who is now studying a Foundation Degree in Business Management at Newcastle College, is already selling his creations at markets in Alnwick, Morpeth and Newcastle Quayside, and is now in talks with a number of retailers to stock the products, including North East shopping institution Fenwick.
Dean, who is originally from County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, sets his candles in hexagonal jam jars to help create a multi-dimensional lighting effect, which has helped him to attract fans from as far as Heathrow in London.

The candles, which are made from natural Soya Wax, come in a range of fragrances, including English Apple and Cherry, Lavender and Camomile and Jasmine and Honeysuckle. Dean has also launched a range of festive scents for Christmas, including Mulled Wine, Ground Cinnamon and Spiced Apple and Winterberry.

He now plans to move into his own business unit from next year as well as employ his first member of staff to help establish a fully functional production line.

Dean said: “The candles are proving really popular with the public, who have responded to the fact that they are environmentally friendly as well as being really attractive to look at. My tutors at both Newcastle Sixth Form College and Newcastle College have taught me a number of key business skills that have helped in areas such as marketing and business development, which have helped me to get the business off to a great start.”

As well as growing his candle business, Dean is hoping to launch a number of additional ventures over the coming years, including a window blind company.

Amy Brown, Head of Newcastle Sixth Form College’s Business Department, said: “Dean is a fine example of a student that is eager to put what he has learnt in the classroom into practice. I’m sure he will go on to even better things now that he is studying for a Foundation Degree in Business Leadership at Newcastle College. I have no doubt that he will achieve his business ambitions and wish him every success.”