A confession: I’m not a Fifer… Did you know I’m actually a Doonhamer - a girl from Dumfries? I married into Fife over 25 years ago, but Burntisland has been home ever since. My journey here was anything but planned, and honestly, I never imagined I’d end up running a luxury candle and home fragrance business in Scotland.
The early days: Dumfries, Uni, and finding my way
At 18, I left Dumfries to study Clothing Design and Textiles at Galashiels. Did it go well? Well, I got the degree - but it wasn’t my calling. I often thought I should have switched paths after year one, but I felt lucky to even be there, so I pushed on.
Looking back, I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason.
I didn’t return to Dumfries after graduation. Instead, I took a last-minute leap and moved to Burntisland in 2000 - a place my mum had never even heard of! I’d visited through a university friend and instantly liked it - especially the train journey over the Forth Rail Bridge. That sealed the deal for me.
My thinking was: it’s close to Edinburgh, it’ll be a fresh start, and I’ll figure the rest out later. That “one year” plan turned into 25 years and counting…
From barmaid to banker (and back to square one)
Like many, I bounced around jobs at first - bar work, a factory testing baby clothes - before finding a more stable career in commercial banking in Edinburgh. But if you’ve ever commuted from Fife to Edinburgh, you know the toll it takes. I eventually landed a job in Dunfermline, which felt like a win, until it ended abruptly: I was made redundant while on maternity leave.
At the time it was brutal. But truthfully? It was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Finding joy in small things (and big changes)
We struggled financially, but I cherished being home with my babies. If I’d stayed in banking, nurseries would have raised them - instead, I got those precious years. To make ends meet, I tried different paths: even a care course (which taught me quickly that nursing wasn’t for me!). I then started a small venture supporting elderly people locally - coffee, cake, farm shop visits. It gave me purpose without sacrificing time with my girls.
The candle kit that changed everything
In September 2016, my husband bought “us” a candle-making kit. The “us” lasted about an hour - he wanted colour in the wax, I said no, and that was that! The hobby became mine.
For weeks, I experimented. Nothing set properly… until one day it did.
That “accident” became Pink Spice, the first ever JoJo Co. candle.
At first, it was just a way to make heartfelt Christmas gifts for friends and family. I spray-painted jar lids, bought labels on eBay, and even - shamefully! - stuck little gems on the tops.
I never set out to build a business. But once those Pink Spice candles were in people’s homes, the whispers started: “You should sell these.”
From kitchen table to community favourite
In 2017, I finally plucked up the courage to try. I aimed for Mother’s Day; I made candles and diffusers in only Pink Spice with simple brown paper packaging (which has since become part of our signature look) and nervously contacted friends by text to see if they wanted any for Mother’s Day gifts.
The reaction was overwhelming. Friends in the school playground asked,
“Are you the one making Pink Spice?”
Word spread. Stockists came calling. Markets followed. And eventually, social media (even though I once swore I’d never need Facebook or a website).
Rebuilding confidence through candles
Here’s the truth I don’t often share: When I started JoJo Co., my confidence was rock bottom.
“Losing my banking job and becoming a full-time mum - I adored my girls, and while I felt happy in my little baby bubble, I also realised I’d lost a part of myself.”
Candles changed that. Little by little, every sale, every kind word, every returning customer built me back up. I realised: this is what I want to do with my life. Not banking. Not nursing. Not fashion. This.
What JoJo Co. means today
Nine years on, JoJo Co. is so much more than just me.
It’s my family, my friends, and my team - though really, they’re just friends with job titles.
My husband joined four years ago, and with his absolute perfectionist streak, he was the perfect fit. He keeps me grounded and steady when I might otherwise have crumbled.
I also have to give a heartfelt mention to my best pal Lisa - my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and the one who always keeps me going.
And of course, my daughters, who have grown up alongside this business. They don’t yet realise how much they’ve learned from being part of it all, but I know these lessons will stay with them forever.
Most of all, it’s our customers. You’ve supported me, encouraged me, and even become friends.
And that’s how a Doonhamer with no plan to start a business found her true calling - in candles.
Thank you to our community
JoJo Co. has grown into a successful hand-poured soy candle company in Scotland that I’m incredibly proud of - but it wouldn’t exist without you.
Every time you choose one of our luxury home fragrance products - whether it’s a diffuser, wax melt, or the original Pink Spice candle - you’re supporting a dream that began at a kitchen table in Burntisland.
And when you’re looking for those perfect thoughtful gifts, we hope you’ll think of JoJo Co. to bring a little luxury into someone’s day.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey - for cheering me on, helping this small business thrive here in Burntisland, and for making me so proud to call Fife home.
