If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be exhibiting at Showcase Ireland, the country’s leading trade show for crafts and design, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Yet, here I was, standing proudly in January 2025, showing off my luxury scented candles at one of the most prestigious events in Ireland’s creative industry. What an incredible experience it was—one I’ll never forget.
The Build-Up: Nerves and Excitement
The weeks leading up to Showcase Ireland were filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. As a small family business, it’s a big step to showcase our hand-poured soy wax candles to a wider audience, and the pressure was on. Every detail had to be perfect: the new packaging, the display, the stories we wanted to share.
As the days counted down, I couldn’t help but wonder: Would people like our new packaging design? Would they be drawn to the scents that I’ve poured so much of my heart into? It was hard to quiet those doubts in my mind, but one thing was clear: I was ready to share the beauty of what we do.
The Big Day: Connecting with People Who Truly Get It
When I arrived at the show, all those nerves started to fade away. The excitement in the air was palpable, and suddenly I was surrounded by like-minded creatives, passionate business owners, and industry leaders. It was so inspiring to be in the company of people who get what it’s like to pour your heart and soul into your work. The connections I made were invaluable, and it reminded me why I do this in the first place: to create something meaningful, to tell a story through fragrance, and to share the magic of Ireland with others.
One of the most amazing things about being at Showcase was the chance to connect with other makers and potential customers in a way that you just can’t online. It’s one thing to see a beautiful product on a screen, but seeing people’s faces light up when they smell our candles, or when they admire the new packaging, made all the hard work worth it. There’s something special about interacting face-to-face, about hearing people’s feedback, and knowing that they really understand and appreciate what you’re doing.
The Response: Overwhelmed in the Best Way
The feedback we received was more than I could’ve hoped for. The new packaging, which we’d worked tirelessly to perfect, got such a positive response. People loved the sleek design and the way it showcased the luxury of our candles. It was so rewarding to see people drawn to the black jars with the bamboo lids, and to hear them talk about how the packaging felt both elegant and eco-friendly. It really felt like a sign that we’re on the right track.
But the real magic happened when people experienced the fragrances. Watching them close their eyes as they took in the scent of Irish Atlantic Breeze, Irish Meadow Breeze, or Old Turf Memories or Velvet Poppy Noir was a reminder of why I started this business in the first place. Fragrance is such a personal thing, and to see people transported by a scent, to hear them share stories of their own connections to Ireland—it was an incredible experience.
Looking Back: More Than Just a Trade Show
Reflecting on the experience now, I’m filled with gratitude. Showcase Ireland was so much more than a trade show—it was a chance to connect with people, to share the story of A Little Bit of Scents, and to be part of a community that supports creativity and craftsmanship. I walked away from that event not only with new contacts and opportunities, but with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future.
The journey to Showcase Ireland was filled with all those pre-event jitters and sleepless nights, but it was worth every second. I’m already thinking ahead to next year and how we can continue growing, learning, and, of course, making beautiful candles that bring people joy.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, to the amazing team behind the event, and to all those who’ve supported A Little Bit of Scents. It was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.