Win a self-care kit worth £55 from new Sunderland candle company Kohji

Donna Cope works in the fast-paced hospitality industry, but with the sector ground to a halt it’s given her the time to launch her own business from her Houghton home.

The mum-of-two has long had an interest in wellness and aromatherapy and it’s been a passion that’s helped her unwind from the pressures of Lockdown and home schooling.

She began making her own candles and wax melts for family and friends and they proved so popular that it’s snowballed into online business, Kohji.

Donna, who is mum to Layla, 11, and Cassian, three, said: “I think Lockdown has made us all look at things differently. It gave me time at home that I’d never had before and, with the stresses of the pandemic, I wanted to do something for me.

"I’d always been interested in aromatherapy as a hobby and never thought anything of it. Last year I began looking into well-being more and doing research and courses. I gave my friends and family some candles I’d made and the feedback was great.”

Donna’s husband Jonny designed a Kohji Candles website and orders soon started to roll in from outside of their friendship group.

As well as candles, Kohji sells wax melts, oil burners and bath salts, in scents designed to evoke a feeling, from scents to focus and energise to a scent to calm and a scent to relax.

The candles are made with all natural, cruelty-free ingredients and are hand-poured with soy and coconut wax.

Donna who juggles her home business with her regular job, said: "In the past I’ve struggled with anxiety so being able to marry up essential oils that trigger a mood or emotion was very important to me.

“The hospitality industry has obviously been a lot quieter than it usually is, so I’ve been in a fortunate position to have the time to find the right ingredients and develop my skill set to launch this business.

“I’ve loved every minute of it. There’s been so many local, creative businesses that have been launched in Lockdown through Instagram and websites and it’s a great community to be a part of.”

::Kohji scents are available to buy at KohjiCandles.com. You can also purchase them in store at Fat Unicorn deli and Black Door Hairdressing in Mackie’s Corner. 25p of each sale goes towards Sunderland Mind because of the rise in mental health problems due to the pandemic.

WIN

We’ve teamed up with Kohji to give away a self-care package worth £55.

One reader will receive a large candle, some wax melts, a burner and bath salts in a Kohji scent of their choice.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: which Sunderland charity benefits from sales of Kohji Candles?

Email your answer, along with your name and address to [email protected] by Monday, February 15. Usual JPI Media competition regulations apply.

Note: due to staff working from home we cannot accept postal entries at this time.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.