This story is sponsored by The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co.
The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co is an integral part of a thriving independent business community in Knaresborough, selling a vast array of natural products including candles, wax melts, soaps, lip balms and honey.
But the popular business may not have come to pass, for many reasons – one of which was that founder Michael Landreth was afraid of bees. Luckily, a friend’s form of exposure therapy meant that he soon came to respect the insects, and understand the potential in the produce that they created.
He explained:
“My friend put me in front of his beehives, and I could either run or face my fear. Working so closely with bees now has helped me overcome that fear.”
Michael Landreth
Additionally, if Michael hadn’t decided to take redundancy from his former job during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company may never have flourished into the successful enterprise it is today.
While a period of furlough allowed him to focus on growing The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co, it was still a ‘difficult decision’ to leave his employment and dedicate himself to the business full time, but one he felt he had to make.
According to Michael, this was a risky move that ultimately paid off; today he is the proud owner of 43 beehives and a shop in the historic market town of Knaresborough that boasts an all-natural product range.
He said:
“I wanted to be in a quirky area, and Green Dragon Yard fit in with that quaint, cobbled feel.”
The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co stocks a diverse range of products; from candles made from plant-based aromatherapy oils to beeswax cosmetics such as lip balms and body butters, there’s something to suit many tastes.
The shop interior
Since opening the premises, Michael has been delighted to receive lots of positive feedback from residents and tourists alike.
“The comments I’ve received are mind-blowing – absolutely fantastic. I have some customers who visited from Dublin, and they liked my products so much, they ordered more online when they got home.
“I even have a customer who orders all the way from Singapore.”
While it’s clear his products have established a popularity across the local area – and beyond – since establishing The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co Michael is always looking at ways to push the business on and progress further.
2024 is proving to be one of the company’s biggest years to date; with the creation of a bee-friendly garden, the imminent opening of a honeycomb waffle bar and introducing a children’s education centre all about bees, to name just a few plans.
The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co. products
Michael added:
“People really should pop in a visit the shop, to find out what’s going on, and how we can help them.
“Fundamentally though, we’re delivering beeswax products directly from Mother Nature.”