Female Founder Friday with Caroline Buckley
Elizabeth Taylor said it best, "The beauty of fragrance is that it speaks to your heart…and hopefully someone else’s." By leaning into our sense of smell, we are able to evoke distant memories or create new ones with the people we care most about. Caroline Buckley, founder of London based House of Buckley creates beautiful, intelligent, and creatively crafted candles (vegan, soy, both paraben & phthalate free) to enhance any atmosphere. I feel so honored to have had such an honest and vulnerable conversation with this absolutely inspiring entrepreneur that the interview needs no introduction :)
Caroline Buckley | House of Buckley
JA: When/how did you first experience the benefits of aroma-therapy?
CB: I believe the contrast of growing up in Rural Kerry, Ireland then moving at 16 to a concrete jungle like London really grew my appreciation for aromatherapy in my life. Scent has the strongest association with memories of a specific time and place, so if it smells like fresh cut grass in the summer or peat fires in the winter that really brings me back to my coastal roots.
JA: What is one piece of advice you could give to someone who is thinking of changing career paths?
CB: Just always do you, be yourself and be brave. You will always learn from trying and regret will only come from never attempting anything. Knowing your worth and believing in yourself as cheesy as it sounds are essential to the journey.
JA: Who do you go to for support?
CB: Having lost my husband tragically three years ago, my teenage children and I are a very strong unit, they were a massive support following my redundancy when I wanted to follow my dream of sharing my scents with others, it was actually my daughter that came up with the name House of Buckley. I am also blessed to have amazing friends and wider family, who are creative, successful and supportive and always willing to listen to my ideas.
JA: What is your process creating a new scent?
CB: Through travel, memories and experiences I will take a base scent that I want to work with, recently it was Sandalwood, before that Oud. Then simply try different combinations until I fall in Love with the scent. Lucky others love them too as I only make fragrances that I adore as the process of making small batches is a very mindful and therapeutic experience.
JA: Where do you see House of Buckley in 5 years? 10?
CB: My mission is to share my scents with as many people as possible. bringing people their own moment of calm. I recently opened my first store in Dalston, Hackney where I also run Candle Making Workshops, I am not trying to take over the home fragrance world, it is more important to me that House of Buckley grows organically insuring the highest quality products.
JA: What are some of the challenges you faced launching?
CB: I suppose being the only one doing everything. Learning how to navigate areas I am not familiar with such as building a website and social media has been a challenge and quite intimidating but I feel like I am learning something new every day. As they say every day is a school day!
JA: What candle are you currently burning?
CB: Bergamot and Coriander. Imagine the uplifting citrus scent of bergamot grounded with aromatic coriander, gently teased with floral peony and a hint of patchouli, this one is super sophisticated and evocative.
JA: What's the next step for House of Buckley (expansion, body/beauty products, etc)?
CB: I love home fragrance and do plan to expand my methods of bringing beautiful scents to your home, I am always working on new products… I do also get asked on a daily basis about unisex perfumes…so watch this space.. :)
JA: Favorite quote?
CB: ”I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -- Maya Angelou
JA: What does wellness mean to you?
CB: Wellness to me means a sense of peace within. A calm that only comes from being true to yourself and approaching everything with good intentions. Taking time for yourself and listening to what your body needs.
If you would like to find out more about House of Buckley you can find out more at: houseofbuckley.com