In Scotland, the story of a mother who found comfort in a new hobby after a devastating diagnosis and transformed it into a flourishing business is a source of inspiration. Karen Graham was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in June 2022. This unexpected news significantly affected her mental health as she and her family grappled with its repercussions.
In order to distract their minds from the situation, Karen and her husband Chris started making candles at their kitchen table. Surprisingly, this newfound hobby had a profoundly positive influence on their mental wellness. Recognizing the potential for more, they took the leap to start a business of their own.
Describing the therapeutic quality of candle-making, Karen said, “Candle-making is very therapeutic, it’s a creative outlet that takes the focus away from what is going on. It helped Chris and I immensely.” Not only did this calming activity help them navigate their life-altering news, but it also began to evolve into something of a potential livelihood.
Eager to expand their newfound passion, Karen and Chris got in touch with Candle Shack, a noteworthy UK candle-making supplier. Subsequently, they decided to set up their own candle business as a side venture. The Stirling Candle Company, as they named it, was thus founded in January 2023. By combining their craftiness, passion, and business insights, they were able to establish a brand with more than 20 scent varieties and a thriving social media following exceeding 10,000.
Karen couldn’t help but express her immense pride for the achievements they’ve accomplished in such a short span, “We feel extremely proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time.” However, not everyone understood their motivations, as she explained, “I still think to this day some of my loved ones can’t understand why we do this.”
Despite dealing with the daily struggles of MS and raising teenagers concurrently, the duo didn’t back down. The candle-making business became their beacon of hope amidst a taxing period for their family. “During such a dark time for our family, candle-making and then the business has really brought light into our lives,” Karen reflected.
Candle-making not only works as a diversion, but it also provides her with a purpose and something to look forward to. In her words, “Candle-making gives me something to work towards and look forward to each day. The studio we created in our back garden is my happy place. It’s improved my mental wellbeing so much.”
Despite the incredible success they’ve managed to achieve while coping with MS, Karen continued to experience disbelief at their accomplishments. “Had you told me I’d be doing this a couple of years ago I would never have believed you – the success we’ve had is unbelievable too,” she admitted.
For Karen, her MS diagnosis only fueled her determination to keep thriving. “Having MS has made me more determined than ever. I’m not going to let it beat me and hopefully others see that, when you get a diagnosis like MS, your life has not ended,” she said, in a testament to her resilience.
Karen’s journey is a shining testament to how a creative outlet can transform into a purposeful endeavor. Her story highlights how a challenging diagnosis can give birth to an inspiring business journey, providing a lifeline of hope and light in challenging times.
