Chase and Wonder: Award winning producers of luxury goods
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Unlike most decorations which are imported, luxury home fragrance brand Chase and Wonder make theirs in Cheshire from a supply chain twinkling with regional producers.
Unlike most decorations which are imported, luxury home fragrance brand Chase and Wonder make theirs in Cheshire from a supply chain twinkling with regional producers.
Best known for its premium candles, diffusers, and bone china plates that are traditional with a modern twist, the business is a love match on many fronts.
Set up 12 years ago by childhood friends and then husband and wife David and Faye Aspinall, Chase and Wonder was a way of being together and pooling their talents after international careers in fashion and design.
Cowsheds were their first studios, but after steady growth the business, self funded so far, now operates from a 300 sq metre unit, and is aiming for a £1million plus turnover in 2024.
“We’re dedicated to supporting local artisans and craft people and very proud of making in Britain with all the love, care and attention to detail that embodies,” says David.
After design in house, the ceramics of the company’s other candles are made and decorated in Stoke-on-Trent by one of the few small producers still remaining.
Wax pouring is carried out in Hereford before products are returned to Cheshire for quality control.
Here for the crackers the team of four do the wrapping, also tucking inside a snap, a joke and a hat, before despatching boxes of six which cost £55. Output is some 50 boxes a day.
“We liked the idea of putting candles and crackers together to make a gift that’s different from an advent calendar,” says Faye.
“We’ve made every effort to make them as eco-friendly as possible and everything is plastic free apart from the ribbon which can be reused for crafting or recycled.”
After the difficulties of exporting after Brexit followed by Covid, sales are ecommerce to primarily UK customers, a factor more pertinent than ever in helping maintain margins during times of rising prices.
“Our pivot to directly online was already on its way,” says David.
“Relations with customers are stronger than ever because of that, for example we now include handwritten notes.
“Our decision to make sourcing in the UK a fundamental part of our ethos has turned out better than we ever expected.
“Our candle wax is soy based as that holds fragrance for longer, but that’s sourced from the Ukraine so we’re looking at alternatives.”
External investment for the first time is now an option the Aspinalls would consider as they aim for a 20 to 25 percent annual growth target, set up expansion in the US with a website, export to Japan and bring candle making, including refills, in house.
“Creative solutions and careful management are our forte,” they declare. “There’s much potential in that.”
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