Featured Maker // Golden Hour Co
CHristian Campomanes
Golden Hour CO.
Christian Campomanes is the owner and maker behind Golden Hour Co. Christian makes candles and home scents that have delightful scents and amazing aromatherapy benefits. All of her candles are made with soy wax, and the scents are made with 100% pure essential oil blends that Christian makes herself in her Leeds based studio.
In late 2018, Christian was suffering from an incredibly low period of depression. She was signed off from work and when December came, she unfortunately had to hand in her notice. With no job and no prospects, Christian used what little energy she had to think about what to gift those who supported her through this incredibly difficult period. The idea to make personalised aromatherapy candles for her loved ones grew to selling the candles, as a mini hustle for last minute gifts for Christmas.
With her £300 savings pot and nothing more to lose, Christian started making candles for family and friends, inspired by various things such as wellness needs and treasured memories. On 5 December 2018, she created an Instagram account detailing her mini venture and also used this time to open up to those around her regarding her struggles with mental health. Their support made Christian feel like she had a purpose that Christmas. Christian firmly believes that focusing on Golden Hour saved her.
In January 2019, still not fully out of her low period, Christian made a conscious decision to give Golden Hour a proper go for the sake of her health. She started working a ‘day job’ that allowed her explore what she could do with Golden Hour beside it. Christian feels it is quite fitting that she pursued making candles. She never thought that taking a chance on Golden Hour (and herself) would bring her so much light.
Here Christian tells us a little more about her business, her inspiration and her proudest achievement.
How has your business evolved since the beginning?
I started Golden Hour Co from nothing, with hardly any industry knowledge and the internet as my teacher. An aromatherapy course, lots of markets and a few big learning curves later, I now have my own studio in Leeds where I make all of my candles. I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing small businesses over the last year including Burleigh’s gin and Peachy Keen ceramics. Recently I’ve been able to open my studio for workshops. As you can imagine after everything in the last 18 months, hosting these workshops has been incredible. I’m now at a point where I can start to teach others about candle making which feels so amazing. I feel like I’ve achieved so much with Golden Hour in the last few years and there’s so much more to go…!
Can you explain where your business name comes from?
When I first decided to start the business I spent a week agonising over what to call the brand. I kept writing ‘Christian’s Candles’ and getting grossed out by it! The name actually came to me one night while I was struggling to sleep.
At the time, I was awake most of the night and sleeping a lot in the day. When the sun started to set I would ‘force’ myself to be present and take care of myself in even the most basic way. There was a comfort that would be brought by Golden Hour light (if there was any) that would peak through my windows. I knew that I’d essentially ‘survived’ another day. That was a real achievement at the time.
“There was a comfort that would be brought by Golden Hour light (if there was any) that would peak through my windows. I knew that I’d essentially ‘survived’ another day. ”
Do you find having a dedicated studio gives you a more focussed approach?
Last year I was making at home and finding it really difficult to balance work and life. I started making for enjoyment and as a bit of peace in my day and I started to lose that feeling. I took the plunge and got a studio space which was the best decision I’ve ever made; I’m able to separate life and work (more than I was before) and I feel so much more inspired.
Is there a particular season you find most inspiring?
I particularly like the change of seasons, Autumn and Spring. Nature at that time is super interesting and also it’s like an indicator of the pace of life too. For me, in Autumn there’s a real focus of slowing down and cosiness and then Spring makes you feel so renewed and refreshed. My favourite candle in Autumn is ‘The Woods’ or ‘Fireside’ while ‘Hotel California’ has always been my favourite refreshing and uplifting scent.
What is your proudest achievement?
I recently did a huge rebrand for Golden Hour which was a big leap of faith for me. I wanted the brand to be more recognisable, colourful and to spark joy and creativity. With the help of my talented friend Toby, we’ve developed a brand that I truly love. I’m originally from the Philippines and I wanted a nod to my heritage in the rebrand. If you look closely you’ll see the sun is reminiscent on the Filipino flag. I really feel like the brand is where I want it to be visually now and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Golden Hour.
Visit Christian’s online shop: goldenhourcompany.co.uk
Follow Golden Hour Candles on Instagram: @goldenhourcompany
