|
Canadian Candle Manufacturer Steps into International Trade
Although Stardust Candle Corporation (www.stardustcandle.ca )based in Cameron, Ontario has only been established for 1 year, Owner/Director Michele Dinga is no stranger to big business. With experience in the Giftware & Candle markets totalling over 25 years starting Stardust Candle Corporation was a good career move.
(PRWEB) August 20, 2006 -- Her resume boasts experience for many years as the National Giftware Buyer for a 300 store retail chain, where she was involved heavily in product development and purchasing from Asian sources. Her position enabled her to make several trips to a variety of countries in Asia, working with Artisans and manufacturers there to develop successful giftware items sold not only in Canada, but in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Africa. In addition she was responsible for sourcing products throughout the U.S. and Europe.
After the re-structuring and downsizing of this retailer, and its subsequent move of it’s head office to the U.S. Michele was appointed as Vice President of a giftware wholesaler, and was instrumental in setting up their candle manufacturing division from scratch. A challenging venture, since the wholesaler had never manufactured before, Michele was responsible for the setup of all procedures and processes, all product research and development, customer service and international sales, as well as purchasing of finished goods Giftware and Home Décor from Asia, Europe, India, the U.S. and Canada. After successful introduction to Canadian and U.S. small independent retailers large scale private label programs were developed for some of the markets retail giants. After the sale of this company, and its subsequent move of manufacturing to the U.S. Michele set out on her own and registered her company Stardust Candle Corporation.
Stardust Candle Corporation manufactures premium highly fragranced and unscented candles, and specializes in hard to find pillar candles (Church Candles) up to 17” tall. Michele states “there has been a void in the marketplace for these oversized pillar candles, and in fact many manufacturers have dropped pillar candles from their lines because they’re expensive to automate production of and many manufacturers want to completely automate their production. Our candles are more like works of art. The candles are textured making each one a one of a kind creation.” (See examples of the texture at http://www.stardustcandle.ca/view.php?pid=61357 )
Another best seller is the Large Star Centerpiece/Pool candle, which when floating in a pool with some smaller Star floaters creates a really dramatic effect for a back yard party. The centerpiece can also be used on a candle platter, with decorations around the bottom for a really beautiful table setting. (View products at http://www.stardustcandle.ca/view.php?UID=20060818131522&pid=61044 )
Michele states that the most important aspect of product development where candles are concerned is quality.
“There are many chandlers (candle makers) in the world, and there are many who do not understand that the most important aspect about making candles is in the testing and development. We conducted testing for 6 months before we even shipped one candle. Each combination of wax, additives, colour and fragrance creates it’s own scientific formula, and requires a specific wick in order to burn properly. In a line like ours, with 14 fragrances and 14 unscented colours there can be several different wicks required for the same product, for example 3” diameter pillars. Most people have experience candles that burn poorly, and either tunnel burn, or overflow, and extensive testing can prevent that. In addition, we feel it’s important to educate the consumer as to how to burn candles safely and properly. A candle should never be burned for LESS than one hour per inch of diameter, or in the case of a round pillar candle, until the wax pool completely reaches the edge of the candle. Otherwise, you will “train” your candle to tunnel burn, which is a waste of money. Our pillar candles when burned properly will completely consume on their own, without having to press the sides in, and you should be left with a small pancake of wax when the pillar is gone. Chandlers of candles like ours walk a fine line between science and art.” For more tips and handy tricks see http://www.stardustcandle.ca/view.php?pid=61355
Sales reps have been hired to handle domestic sales, and in a natural step Michele spends a great deal of time marketing to International importers in various markets recently appointing an exclusive distributor to an importer who has agreed to represent the entire line for their market. "We are agressively seeking International distributors to market our products in their regions, and also are happy to deal directly with retailers & consumers based in the U.S."
Contact Stardust Candle Corporation for more information at www.stardustcandle.ca
###
|
