This month we’re spending “five minutes with” our tenants Angie and Karl from Cocochi – creators of hand-poured soy wax candles – ahead of the launch of their signature collection.
Having received support from The Women’s Organisation to get their venture off the ground, we’re pleased to now call the Cocochi team part of the 54 St James Street family.
Tell us about your business…
Here at Cocochi, our candles are about so much more than the scent they emit. As a small brand borne out of personal tragedy, candles have played an integral and meaningful role in our journey – providing a sense of peace, comfort, warmth, light and remembrance. Thus, it only felt natural to name the company Coco&Chi- a combination of our founders’ late spouses’ nicknames – as a lasting legacy and tribute to their lives. We want to share our story to inspire, uplift, and help others who find themselves on similar journeys. Cocochi soy wax candles are more than just a charming new addition to your home. They are a gateway to memories, experiences and emotions.
We also run candle making workshops for private events, groups and team-building exercises. Our candle-making workshops are a place to share memories, talk scents and take part on a delightful, creative and fun candle-making experience. You can not only learn a new skill, but you can also create and take home a beautiful personalised gift as a special treat to yourself or someone special.
Our workshops are suitable for complete beginners, no prior knowledge or experience is necessary to take part. We will share with you our knowledge and passion, taking you step-by-step through the intricate candle-making process. You’ll will make your own scented soy wax candle!
Describe your typical daily routine…
We start the morning going through any orders that have come in and respond to customer questions and emails or via social media. We’re most active on Instagram so we get a lot of messages on there. Candle making is usually done in small batches, around once a week and it allows us to keep close eye on production and maintain our high quality of hand- pouring and allowing our candles to cure for around 10 days. We run candle making workshops approximately every two months in different locations in Liverpool and on the Wirral. We have to plan these around everything else as we only work part-time on Cocochi, as we both have our own individual family commitments and jobs.
Why did you choose 54 St. James Street?
Choosing 54 St James street was a great decision and only felt natural as I had received start-up business support from the team. I had the opportunity to be mentored by a business advisor and also attended courses such as Planning for Success, Building a Social Media Strategy and Basic Bookkeeping.
What would be your top tips for anyone looking to start a business?
Be prepared to work hard and never give up. We have both struggled with self-doubt as well as other personal issues. Be prepared to spend more money than you imagined and have a fall back income plan. Be patient and understand that is is a slow journey. Build a brand, have a purpose and most of all, enjoy it.
What’s on your reading or watch list at the moment?
Currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. Rarely get to watch much TV but I like to watch Rupauls drag race on Netflix and Now TV!” It is pure entertainment and has cheered me up many times.
THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION
All of our Cocochi’s candles are lovingly hand-poured right here in Liverpool, meaning we know what goes into each and every one of our products. Made from 100% natural soy wax, with cruelty-free fragrance and essential oils— our candles are free from harmful ingredients and always vegan.
To find out more about Cocochi and explore the new signature range you can visit www.cocochi.co. You can also find them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
If you are a tenant and you would like to feature in the #5MinutesWith series, contact sarahbrown@thewo.org.uk for more information.
