North West aromatherapy specialists ‘I AM SELF-CARE’ will offer shoppers the chance to give the gift of improved wellbeing this Christmas when they showcase their product range at this year’s Guildhall Craft Fair.
The annual event returns to the Guildhall from the 22nd to 24th November and the Quigley’s Point based company are one of a number of exciting new crafters taking part.
The company was set up by Derry woman Edelle Harrigan Edgar in 2021 and her hand made, expertly blended and beautifully scented aromatherapy products have proved a hit with customers across Ireland and the UK.
Her award winning business creates products that include aromatherapy roller oils, essential oil blends, pillow / room mists, aromatherapy reed diffusers, aromatherapy inhalers, shower steamers, lotion bars, facial oils and bath and body oils.
Edelle also delivers Essential Oil Product Making Workshops teaching people how to use essential oils in their daily life effectively and one to one Aromatherapy Consultations for people to learn how aromatherapy products can improve their self-care and wellbeing.
“I had started to make my own products for family and friends during Lockdown in 2021, they loved them and off the back of that I decided I wanted to turn it into a business,” she explains.
“They are aromatherapy products to support your self-care and wellbeing and are made from 100% natural ingredients, created to aid relaxation, promote calmness and balance or to energise your body and mind for the day ahead.
“Before I started to sell to the public, I qualified firstly as an Essential Oils Specialist then progressed to Certified Aromatherapist to learn more about the chemistry of essential oils and get a better understanding of how they affect our whole body holistically.
“I initially promoted the products online through an Instagram and Facebook page which helped me build up a following and connect with customers throughout Ireland and the UK and from there I set up my business website where people could buy the products.
“Things opened up after lockdown in 2022 and I first connected face to face with customers through the Walled City Market in Guildhall Square, my products are all very sensory so this was an ideal opportunity for customers to test and smell the products.
“The Market was a great chance to speak with other similar small business owners and shortly after, I began to stock at Walled City Crafters in the Craft Village, City of Derry Airport, the Shandon Hotel and Amelia’s Craft in Letterkenny.”
Edelle’s background in recruitment means she has an acute appreciation of the benefits of networking and she has secured some significant contracts off the back of face to face meetings.
“I’m a great believer in the power of networking,” she continued. “People buy off people and if you can make a connection with someone you are more likely to buy into their product or service and trust them as someone you can do business with.
“As a result of exhibiting at Showcase Ireland, which is Ireland’s largest buyers event, I secured an order to be stocked in their three Health and Wellbeing stores.
“At a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in Strabane as part of Enterprise Week Derry and Strabane I was paired up with the Everglades Hotel in Derry who went on to connect me with the Hastings Hotels Commercial Director which lead to me developing a Pillow Mist for their Culloden Hotel & Spa and the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast.
“I also work with the Shandon Hotel and Spa in Dunfanaghy and the Kintala Resort and Spa, Dungiven where I have developed a range of Body Massage Oils and Body & Bath Oils for their award winning Spas.”
Edelle has been recognised with a number of high profile industry awards and nominations since opening her business.
“This year we have been nominated in the Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year and the North West Business of the Year categories at the Local Women Business Awards which will be announced in the Europa Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 23rd November and they mean a lot as these are voted for by the public.”
The Guildhall Craft Fair will showcase a wide range of bespoke craft items created by craft design-makers and artisan food producers throughout Ireland.
The fair is renowned for attracting a large number of visitors looking for that special gift or purchase for Christmas and Edelle is excited at the prospect of connecting with them.
“The Guildhall is a stunning setting,” she added. “With the Main Hall decorated for Christmas and local choirs providing the music it will be a beautiful backdrop to exhibit at.
“I think people understand the importance of shopping local and keeping money in our local economy and this is an opportunity to support local traders this Christmas.
“It’s a great chance for me to sell my products and network with the other traders who will be there.”
To view Edelle’s full range of products or order online visit: iamselfcare.co.uk or follow I AM SELF-CARE on Facebook and Instagram.
The Guildhall Craft Fair marks the start of a packed programme of events to celebrate Christmas in Derry and Strabane, visit: www.derrystrabane.com/christmas for full details.
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