What inspired you to create GG Crystal Gifts and Soaps?
I named my business with the initials GG, which is an abbreviation of my full name. Growing up, I was captivated by crystal ware, which was a treasured gift in the 80s, often given to newlyweds or on special occasions. To me, it represented something precious, reserved for life’s most significant moments. My journey into this business began as a hobby, sparked by a thoughtful gift from my children. It quickly became a deeper passion, driven by my love for candles, natural oils, and the environment. I have fond memories of doing homework by candlelight during the harsh Eastern European winters I grew up in, when the snow would cut off the local community’s electricity. Those moments are oddly dear and comforting memory to me, and they sparked my love for the natural light, and scents of oils and wax.
What type of products do you create and where is best to find them?
I create soy wax candles, beeswax candles, and soaps. Initially, I started with candles, but as my interest grew, I expanded into soap-making, which led to the creation of the GG Crystal Gifts and Soaps name. You can find all my handcrafted candles and soaps on my website, www.ggcrystalgifts.co.uk, and I frequently participate in local markets in Petersfield, and more specifically, the Garthoven Garden Centre, the HSDC South Downs Market, and New Forest Markets Market in Lymington where you can see and smell my products in-person.
What is your favourite thing about using Soy Wax?
When I first searched for high-quality, natural soy wax, I was impressed by the Cosy Owl reviews for Soyaluna Container Wax. It’s so smooth, dissolves evenly, and becomes a beautiful, pure white. I love this wax because it’s vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and silicon-free. Plus, it resists sweating in temperatures up to 35 degrees, which is a huge plus for me.