Meet our member Ally from Cherry Baby Melts; she tells us about her business, her highlights & challenges of running her own business, and answers our Local Biz Quickfire.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m a happily married mum of two who plays around with hot wax for a living.
I love an engrossing fiction book, true crime documentaries, any and all themes and a great word pun. Juggling two kids, two dogs and a small business, I run on coffee, sheer stubbornness and sarcasm!
How and Why Did Your Business Get Started?
I started CherryBaby in late 2023. I’ve had a long career in safeguarding children and needed to change directions. I wanted something which was more personal to me, something creative and fun which fit in better with family life. I did some research into ideas for businesses I could run from home, and wax melts seemed to fit the bill.
What’s been your biggest highlight of running your business?
Since launching in April, I have already found three (possibly four) stockists for cherrybaby, and I am already seeing a large number of repeat customers. I absolutely love it when people love the products I make!
What’s been your biggest challenge?
Working solo – my whole career has been based in a team / office environment which I always found hugely supportive, so running a business on my own can feel isolating at times.
What’s the best thing about being a member of Chiltern Biz Collective?
People! Local people who understand the ups and downs of small business life. I have already met a number of lovely like minded folks I can see being long-term friends.
How can people work with you and where can we find you?
You can find me at cherrybaby.co.uk and instore at Maggie Js (Tring), Wigginton shop (Wigginton) and The Raven & Broomstick (Leighton Buzzard). You can also follow me on Instagram @cherrybaby_melts
I am always open to any suggested collaboration / products for events etc – email to cherrybabymelts@gmail.com
I am currently in my spooky season era, with christmas stock already in the works. I will be at a number of markets and fayres between now and the end of the year. All details can be found on my website cherrybaby.co.uk
Local Biz Quick Fire!
Favourite local place to eat & drink?
In general, midweek its Coffee @ 108 in Aston Clinton and P.E. Farm cafe. For meals out, Tabure or Giggling Squid in Berkhamsted.
Favourite local retailer (online or bricks & mortar)?
I don’t really have an answer for that. I don’t tend to do much shopping for myself these days. So any suggestions of good local places, send them my way!
Favourite local day out?
Honestly, to a coffee shop with a friend. Sitting and setting the world to rights with a coffee – perfect. With family, somewhere for a long dog walk, especially now we are entering mushroom-spotting season.
Shoutout to 3 local businesses who you love.
You can find Cherry Baby Melts on our Local Business Directory.