Ecobusiness sonaturalfor Ardee’sEmma

A childhood love of candles has led to the establishment of a thriving eco-friendly local business.

Ardee-based Emma Fallon is the creative force behind Emma’s So Naturals which will showcase their range of all-natural candles and soaps at Gifted – The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair at the RDS, from December 4-8.

She began making candles as a child after watching arts and crafts programmes on children’s television.

‘I was under-10 at the time and was fascinated to learn you could melt down old pieces of candle to create an entirely new one,’ said Emma.

What began as a hobby turned into a business when interior design trained Emma became a mother.

‘I have always loved candles, but I found the heavily coloured, heavily scented ones generally available triggered headaches,’ she says.

‘When my children were born, I began seeking out more natural family products, and I thought there must be a more natural alternative to be found for these candles.’

Emma began experimenting with soy wax from soya beans and went on to study aromatherapy and natural perfumery.

Her efforts led to the creation of a range of clean burn candles and handmade soaps scented with her own inspired blend of pure essential oils.

She and husband David set up Emma’s So Naturals as a business in 2010 and from their base at Stoney Lane, Ardee the couple now supply health food stores and gift shops around the country.

For vegetarian Emma, it is important all their products are sustainable.

‘Unlike paraffin candles, which are made from a by-product of petroleum, ours are made from plant-based soy,’ she adds. ‘ They burn without smoking and they last 30-50% longer than paraffin based ones’.

All the packaging is also eco-friendly.

‘We use renewable, reusable and recyclable ingredients and raw materials sourced as locally as possible,’ says Emma. ‘ Our packaging is designed in collaboration with talented local graphic artists and designers from Louth and Meath and is produced by packaging suppliers in Ireland.’

Celebrating the best in contemporary Irish design and artisan food, Gifted at the RDS is home to over 500 stands packed with original gifts.

And for those in search of a green Christmas, this year sees Gifted devotes two special areas to environmentally friendly products.

The Sustainable Pop-Up features 40 of Ireland’s finest sustainable living brands and the Sustainable Edit, curated by journalist Jo Linehan.

‘2019 is the year of sustainability at Gifted with thousands of thoughtful and ethical gifts for your loved ones,’ said organiser Patrick O’Sullivan. ‘ Many of our exhibitors will have signs at their stands saying, ‘ ask me my sustainable story’ so shoppers can find out more about the origins of the gifts they are buying.’

Other local exhibitors include Carlingford-based jewellery maker Mia Mullen, Clayotic, All But Chaotic! Corona Silver, Decor by SP, Provencail, Arabella Luxury Pom Pom Hats and Spoonful Botanicals.Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair takes place at the RDS Main Hall from December 4 to 8 from 10am each day.

WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE BORN, I BEGAN SEEKING OUT MORE NATURAL FAMILY PRODUCTS

Emma Fallon of Ardee based Emma’s So Naturals and husband David who will be showcasing their range of all-natural candles and soaps at Gifted – The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair in the RDS, from December 4-8