Young student's candle business success after mental health struggles

Natasha Boorer had struggled with anxiety throughout her life.

But when she moved to Bury and began studying broadcast journalism at the University of Salford, she began to feel like she didn't fit in with the stereotypical student lifestyle.

Issues with her mental wellbeing meant Natasha never participated in social gatherings and missed out on events like freshers' week and other aspects of university social life.

The daily struggles of her mental health also left Natasha feeling unhappy in her part-time job, so in December 2018 she decided to take up candle making.

She said: “It was basically a bit of an accident.

"I said to my partner that I wanted to start something new because I was really unhappy in my job and I knew I liked making things, so I figured I’d try candle making."

NOA Vegan Candles and Homewares products

Natasha saved up £200 and enlisted her partner to help her make a website and take photos of her handicrafts.

In February 2019 she launched her business, NOA Vegan Candles and Homewares, and sales 'just kind of took off', Natasha said.

Knowing how expensive some homemade candles were Natasha decided she would make them at an affordable price.

Each product is made for a different purpose, such as the popular Anxious Mind with an anxiety release blend.

All the products are also natural, organic and made with materials from the UK.

Natasha said: “I just wanted to do something that would make me feel a little bit happier especially as I was struggling so much at the time.

"I needed something to keep me occupied and that was my own that I could focus all my energy into.

"It started off as something I enjoyed making here and there and then it just took over my life and snowballed. It’s just crazy.”

NOA Vegan Candles and Homewares products

NOA's business quickly began to blossom and Natasha was able to leave part-time job to run the company alongside her studies.

And, although the coronavirus pandemic has affected businesses around the world, Natasha says her sales are at an all time high.

She said that, while she has had to make some changes to the way NOA operates, things have been 'absolutely crazy'.

She added: "Even with Covid going on I have been busier than Christmas.

"Last month I sent 300 parcels and 30 wholesale orders. That was probably the first time I really felt pressure from running and business and trying to complete a degree.”

Natasha has also chalked up more than 8,000 followers on Instagram, and says she amazed that what started as a hobby has turned into a rip-roaring business.

"For me, it’s so humbling to know that the products I’m making are actually helping people," she said.

"It’s one of the main reasons I started NOA because I wanted people to find a little bit of calm from the outside world.”

For more information on NOA visit shopnoa.co.uk.