The Power of Collaboration: Our Partnership with Forté

Forté approached us with a vision: to create a signature scent that would embody their brand's rustic yet sophisticated aesthetic.

The Birth of "Sylvan"

During an inspiring blend session at our studio, we worked alongside the Forté team to craft what would become "Sylvan" – a scent that perfectly captures their brand. This scent tells Forté's story through notes of dry woods, rich spices, leather, and smoke.

The name "Sylvan," meaning "of the forest".

The Art of Custom Scent Creation

Creating a signature scent for another brand is both an honour and a responsibility. It requires deep listening, understanding not just what a brand does, but who they are at their core. The process was collaborative from start to finish. We presented various scent profiles, refined notes based on feedback and ultimately landed on a fragrance that felt authentically Forté while showcasing the artisanal quality that we are known for.

More Than Just a Candle

"Sylvan" represents more than a beautiful scent – it's a testament to what's possible when creative minds collaborate. Housed in our signature amber vessel and featuring Forté's distinctive branding, each candle becomes a piece of functional art that extends their brand experience into their clients' homes and spaces.

The Ripple Effect of Partnership

Working with Forté has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration. When brands with shared values come together, the result is often something greater than the sum of its parts. A signature scent doesn't just smell good – it creates emotional connections, enhances brand recall, and provides a sensory touchpoint that customers carry with them.

Interested in creating a signature scent for your brand? We'd love to explore how we can help tell your story through fragrance. Get in touch to learn more about our custom scent services.

Finding Home Through Scent: My Journey to Little Batch Wax Co.

Some stories begin with a moment of nostalgia. Mine started with missing the seasonal traditions of my Midwest hometown - population 600.

Growing up, the changing seasons were a big deal. Each shift from one season to the next was marked by traditions, and candles were always part of that magic. They weren't just candles - they were markers of time, celebration, and home.

When I moved to New Zealand, I found myself searching for those familiar scents that could transport me back to cherished moments. Unable to find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to create them myself. In September 2017, I poured my first candle - a Pumpkin Chai that filled every room of my house with the warmth of autumn memories!

The moment I lit those first candles, I felt a little more at home. That single batch sparked something special - a passion for crafting scents that tell stories and create moments of connection.

Today, Little Batch Wax Co. operates from my dream studio, converted from the garage of our farmhouse.

It's a space where creativity flows as freely as the birdsong outside, and where our Muscovy ducks often waddle in for curious visits. There's something magical about pouring candles while surrounded by the peaceful rhythms of farm life.

I now offer six signature scents, with limited edition and seasonal fragrances introduced throughout the year. Each candle is carefully crafted using pure soy wax, with scent combinations inspired by memories, seasons, and the beautiful New Zealand landscape I now call home.

The brand has grown, but its heart remains the same - creating candles that bring light and warmth to homes across New Zealand.

For me, it's more than just making candles; it's about sharing the magic of seasonal traditions and helping others create their own moments of cozy comfort.

It's such a privilege to make these candles. Knowing they're becoming part of other people's homes and traditions - that's what makes this work so special.

Whether you're lighting a candle to welcome spring, celebrate a moment, or simply create a cosy atmosphere on a regular Tuesday evening, each Little Batch Wax Co. candle carries a bit of that original Midwest magic, blended with the fresh beauty of New Zealand.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. What started as a search for familiar comforts has grown into something more special than I could have imagined, largely thanks to our wonderful candle community.

If you'd like to be part of this journey, our Candle Club offers a unique way to experience the changing seasons through scent. Each month, we create exclusive fragrances you won't find anywhere else, paired with thoughtfully curated extras to enhance your cosiest moments.

Join our waitlist here to be first in line when spots become available.

Stay cosy,

Beth

Visual storytelling by Nectar Photography

20 Mindful Journal Prompts for the Anxious Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, it's natural to experience moments of anxiety and self-doubt. The pressure to succeed, make decisions, and navigate uncertainties can sometimes feel overwhelming.

With Mental Health Awareness Week upon us, we thought it'd be the perfect time to share a little self-care secret: journaling.

It's been proven that regular reflection can work wonders for clearing your head and boosting your mood.

So, grab your favourite beverage, find a comfy spot, and let's dive into some laid-back journal prompts that'll help you navigate the wild world of entrepreneurship with a bit more ease.

Here are 20 thoughtful journal prompts designed specifically for entrepreneurs dealing with anxiety:

1. Gratitude Check: What are three things I'm grateful for in my business today?

2. Wisdom for the Past: If I could give my younger self business advice, what would it be?

3. Challenge and Action: What's the biggest challenge I'm facing right now, and what's one small step I can take to address it?

4. Strength Spotlight: List five of my greatest strengths as an entrepreneur. How can I leverage these more?

5. Success Reflection: Describe a recent business success, no matter how small. How did it make me feel?

6. Priority Setting: What are my top three priorities for the coming week? How can I ensure I focus on these?

7. Fearless Dreaming: If fear wasn't a factor, what bold move would I make in my business?

8. Support Network: Who are three people in my network that I can reach out to for support or advice?

9. Thought Reframing: What negative thought patterns do I notice about my business? How can I reframe these more positively?

10. Ideal Day Visualization: Describe my ideal work day. What small changes can I make to move closer to this ideal?

11. Self-Care Inventory: What self-care activities help me feel grounded? How can I incorporate more of these into my routine?

12. Learning from Setbacks: List three things I've learned from my biggest business setback.

13. Defining Success: What does success look like to me beyond financial metrics?

14. Time Management: If I had an extra hour in my work day, how would I use it most effectively?

15. Tackling Procrastination: What's one task I've been avoiding? What's the first step to tackling it?

16. Value Alignment: How does my business align with my personal values? Where could there be better alignment?

17. Confidence Boost: Describe a moment when I felt truly confident as an entrepreneur. What can I learn from this?

18. Setting Boundaries: What boundaries do I need to set or reinforce in my business to protect my wellbeing?

19. Business Pep Talk: If my business was a person, what would I say to encourage them right now?

20. Future Focus: List five things I'm looking forward to in my business journey, no matter how big or small.

Remember, journaling is a personal practice. Feel free to adapt these prompts to best suit your needs and business situation. The key is consistency – try to set aside a few minutes each day or week to reflect and write.

By regularly engaging with these prompts, you'll likely find yourself gaining new perspectives, managing stress more effectively, and approaching your business challenges with renewed clarity and confidence.

Do you have any favourite journaling prompts that help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey?

We'd love to hear about them in the comments below!