When Balclutha woman Mary Woodrow started producing home-made gift candles, she never imagined the hobby would take off and she would end up selling them.
Mrs Woodrow had held a part-time administration job before her third child came along.
After the birth, she resigned her job to become a full-time mother. Later, she started making scented candles as gifts for friends and family.
When Mrs Woodrow found people were interested in what she was making, she decided to expand the hobby.
"I was asked by a local beauty salon if they could stock them and that's when I first thought I could do this.''
She has been selling the candles for just over a year and is experimenting using a distribution store in China.
It was only early stages but she believed the "made in New Zealand'' label was a big drawcard for international buyers.
"I've been really surprised by how much people loved them and keep coming back for more.''
Her candles are sold from home and at local businesses.
Mrs Woodrow's products go by the name "Lighthouse Candles'', as she used to live at Kaka Point near the Nugget Point lighthouse.
Mrs Woodrow makes her candles out of white soy wax using all-natural ingredients.
She said there was "a bit of science to it''. It took a lot of trial and error before she was confident in what she was doing.
She blends fragrances she personally enjoys as well as suggestions made by others.
She balances candle-making with raising her children.
"I've got four kids and that probably keeps me out of trouble as it is, but it is nice to have something else.''
Creating gifts for people was a big part of why she started it.
She also loved the scents produced by the candles.
