The Little Aroma Shop and Sarah Rajecki

At The Little Aroma Shop, candles aren’t just products; they are crafted expressions of art and creativity. Sarah Rajecki, the owner and creative force behind this small business, started her candle-making journey in early 2021, blending her passion for design and craftsmanship. As a full-time graphic designer, Sarah always had an eye for detail and a love for arts and crafts, which naturally led her to create her own brand.

“I wanted to create a beautiful physical product I could call my own,” Sarah shares. That product is now The Little Aroma Shop, a collection of handmade candles that have quickly become beloved by her customers. Sarah’s natural creativity flows into every aspect of her business, from designing her logo to crafting the product labels and marketing material—every bit of The Little Aroma Shop is designed by Sarah herself.

The collection features candles made from 100% soy wax, a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. What makes Sarah’s candles stand out is the unique infusion of crystals, glitter, dried flowers, herbs, and even coffee beans, creating visually stunning pieces that are just as much about the experience as the scent.

Handcrafted with Care

Sarah’s candles are all made at home, where she has set up a small office and shop to store her supplies and create her collections. Working in small batches, each candle is crafted with care and attention to detail. "Candles are the most time-consuming when making in bulk," Sarah explains. "I generally make around 30 in one session, and then I need to leave them to set before I can decorate and label them."

Her candles are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a labour of love. Creating each one by hand ensures they are as special and unique as the person they’re made for.

A Growing Business

One of the milestones that Sarah is particularly proud of is her first wholesale order, which came earlier this year. "It was for Leighanne at Sunshine Corner Café in Kinross," Sarah recalls. “It was a big step for my small business and something I’m really proud of.”

Despite her success, The Little Aroma Shop remains a side project that Sarah works on in her spare time. She’s more than happy to dedicate her weekends and late nights to something she loves, even though it keeps her busy.

Looking Ahead

As a small business owner, Sarah faces the challenge of standing out in Perth’s highly competitive candle market. "Creating something unique and different has definitely been a challenge," she says. But her eye for design and her thoughtful, handcrafted approach are what make The Little Aroma Shop stand out.

Looking to the future, Sarah’s goal is to continue growing her small business and to attend more market events like the one at Elizabeth Quay on October 26, 2024. Eventually, she hopes to open her own gift shop, potentially combined with a cosy café.

To explore more of Sarah’s creations, visit her on Facebook or Instagram at @thelittlearomashop.

Be sure to stop by The Little Aroma Shop at Elizabeth Quay this October—Sarah can’t wait to share her candles with you and explore the other talented stallholders at the market!