our story.
our story begins in 2019 from Natasha’s kitchen hob where the first batches of NOA candles were made. Seeking solace and tranquility amidst the pressures of university, she discovered the power of aromatherapy and home fragrance. Recognising the need for affordable, high quality, hand poured alternatives free from harmful toxins, Natasha embarked on a mission. With a borrowed £200 loan from her partner’s mum, she aquired the necessary materials and started crafting candles on her kitchen hob. This humble beginning in her home laid the groundwork for NOA’s roots and 4 years on continues today.
乃愛 | NOA - a symbol of endless love and affection.
our story (in Natasha’s words)
in February 2019 during my second year of uni i needed an escape from the stresses and anxiety that university was bringing my way. Candles, fragrance and self care became my refuge, soothing my anxious mind and bringing me a sense of calm. It was around this time I decided I needed a hobby, something to keep my mind busy away from coursework and stress - candles became that escape.
The reason I embarked on this journey was for my own wellbeing, which eventually snowballed into my full time job creating and making blends that serve a purpose to benefit not just my own mental wellbeing, but thousands of others too. I wanted to create products that were affordable, didn’t cost the earth to enjoy and served as an everyday kind of luxury, not just a one off treat. Being a student meant I couldn’t afford the ‘luxury’ self care treats that artisan brands sold, rather the store bought kind fit my budget, but I quickly noticed how many harmful parabens, phthalates and toxins were present in them. Nobody should have to sacrifice their health to enjoy fragrance!! Discovering this ignited a spark in me, which is another thing that led to me creating them myself.
Before launching NOA, I remember going for dinner with my partners family, since at the time my partner had recently launched his business (whilst still working a second job) i found myself feeling more and more lonely and isolated, since the time I would usually spend with him was now being spent a lot on my own, this further drove me to really run and delve into my own hobby and seeing him start his own business made me wonder if this could be something I could do for NOA. Julie, my partner's mum, believed in me and lent me £200. With that small sum, I bought the materials for my very first candle batches and embarked on this exciting venture. To this day all that we have done with NOA has been self funded, besides that £200 we used to start things up, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the tremendous support and love from customers, for that i’m so grateful!
Armed with determination, I transformed my kitchen into a makeshift workshop. placed a small shelving unit in my spare room to store stock, and got to work on our first collection of candles. From the kitchen hob I made our first four blends, which later went on to become the foundation of our core collection. It was on that same day that our bestselling blend - Anxious Mind, was born.
As the demand grew, so did our storage need. We had expanded beyond my kitchen, with boxes overflowing the living room, hallway and landing, it was at the end of 2020 we made the move into our first studio space, which needed a lot of work and after being let down by the landlord for work we ended up taking on and transforming the space, painting floors and building cabinets, electrics and plumbing, all the while running NOA during our peak candle season! It was a challenge, but we’ve now been in this space for almost three years and it means we have a space now equipped with three industrial grade melters. From pouring small batches of ten on the kitchen hob, we now pour hundreds a week. It’s a true testament to the support of our incredible customers who have embraced NOA and made it all that it is today.
I’m immensely proud of this business and the joy it has brought to my life, but it wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our customers and stockists. Their belief in our vision has propelled us forwards and every day I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create a sanctuary through the power of scent, not just for myself, but for the thousands who have found calm through the products we create.
At NOA, your well-being is paramount and we strive to create blends that provide moments of calm amidst the chaos in the world. Our commitment extends beyond just your health, but includes the well-being of the planet and all the creatures that inhabit it. By choosing NOA, you are not just purchasing a product; you are keeping our small business dream alive.
Remember, NOA's journey began in a simple kitchen, and these roots will always be with us, no matter how much we grow.
