It all started when Dan and Mitch made homemade candles for the family, which were all well-loved. As avid candle-lighters, they also thoroughly enjoy filling their home with beautiful aromas to create a sense of calmness and relaxation.

They set out to make their little hobby into a small business and started their small candle-making business in early 2022. Since then, the duo has gradually formulated and released new fragrances and reed diffusers to suit people's different preferences – they have even released candles targeted to men, which are inspired by masculine colognes. They offer a range of collections, which they describe as "Essentials, Lush, and Lux", with more ranges coming in the future.

While their candles are wonderfully scented, Dan and Mitchell also take pride in their packaging design and sustainability efforts. Their candles and packaging are environmentally friendly, locally and sustainably sourced, recyclable, and their carry bags are home compostable!

All of their products are sourced from predominantly Western Australian suppliers. Their ingredience include paraffin-free, natural soy wax, non-toxic reed bases, and premium fragrance oils.

As for their operations, they work out of two rooms in their house, one for making the products and another for storage and packing orders. The process of making their candles is precise and time-ladened. Soy wax flakes are weighed out and added to their wax melter. While melting, they thoroughly clean, stick and wick each jar.

Once the wax is at the desired temperature, fragrance oils are accurately weighed and added. They then pour the scented wax into the prepped jars and set them aside to cure. The wick is trimmed to length once the wax has set, then labels are placed onto the jar. They put the lids on top and pack them into their custom packaging. This process can take at least 6 hours depending on how many candles they make at once.

Dan and Mitch both have full-time jobs, but still make time for their candle business and each other on the side. Their goal is to one day be able to pursue their dreams and make their business their full-time job and eventually go global. Their biggest challenge so far is finding time to relax while balancing their business and work, and marketing to get their brand out there and known. However, they do their best to support each other and make it work.

DM Collectives will be at the upcoming Perth Makers Market this Sunday 21 May. They appreciate all the lovely and friendly staff, stallholders, and shoppers, and admire all the many creative and hidden talents that are mingled in the market. They would also like to offer a cheeky 10% discount on all online orders using the code: MAKERS10

Come down to take a whiff and purchase from them at Goolugatup Heathcote, Applecross!

Visit their website: www.dmcollectives.com.au