Making things cosy

Small business owner and candle maker Emma tells us about finding the self-belief and courage to make Fox & Ivy her full-time job.

Hello, who are you?

Hiya, I’m Emma, a fan of dresses with pockets, naps and everything cosy. I’m also the owner and creator of Fox & Ivy.

I’m a big believer in living a slow and purposeful life and that small, mindful rituals can make it more joyful. I’m also a real fan of the concept of Hygge. 



Hygge: A calm, comfortable time with people you love. Celebrating the everyday, enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Cosiness of the soul. Often enjoyed with good friends, drinks, warm blankets and candlelight.

How did Fox & Ivy come about?

I’ve always been a real homebody, a big fan of candles and obsessed with making the space around me as cosy as possible, so it probably isn’t a surprise to those who know me that this is where I’ve ended up. I made my first candles in 2014 as presents and was totally hooked. Once I started researching into the process a bit more in an effort to get better at it (because I’ll be honest, those first batches were pretty wild), I quickly discovered that what you use to make candles has a huge impact not only on the quality of the product, but you and your home as well. By 2015 I was selling online and at markets, and it has slowly progressed from there.

Fox & Ivy recently became your full-time job. Can you tell us about the journey leading up to this and how it feels to now be running your small business full-time?

To be honest, I still can’t quite believe this is how I get to spend my days!
 It’s been a long time coming, so I’m still pinching myself daily that it’s finally here. When I think about the journey that has lead me here, I think the most important part of it has been the slow but steady progress to finding enough self-belief and courage to take the plunge. Coming from a busy recruitment role that provided security and predicability but no space for my creativity, I was determined to find a better balance. Even though the imposter syndrome is very real, I’m so excited and extremely grateful to be doing this full-time and making some of the ideas I’ve had for such a long time, a reality.

What is your favourite part of running Fox & Ivy? 

I don’t know that I could choose just one, but I love the slow rhythm that happens when I’m pouring and also adore the days when I’m behind the camera or editing. The most satisfaction however always comes from seeing the Fox & Ivy products in people’s homes – I just love the idea that we’re able to be part of making things just that little bit cosier.

Do you have any new products in the works that we might get to see soon? 

Our 2020/21 Spring/Summer Seasonal Votive will be released in September, which I’m really excited about. This will be a blend that sums up those long, light-filled evenings and resurgence of foliage and flora and I can’t wait for for its release (or those long, light-filled evenings!)

Follow along with Emma on Instagram – @foxandivy

Location: Manawatū-Whanganui region, New Zealand