~ Our Story ~

Once upon a time, in the heart of the bustling online marketplace, there was a small but thriving candle business known as “The Ardea Candle Makers.” Founded by Connor, this venture had gained a loyal following thanks to his unique, handcrafted candles infused with enchanting scents and stunning designs.

However, as time passed, he felt a growing desire for adventure and a change of scenery. One chilly autumn evening, while sipping tea in his cosy living room, Connor stumbled upon a video about narrowboat living on the canals of the UK. The idea struck a chord with him: what if he transformed his candle business into a “roving trader” and sold his candles from his narrowboat named Ardea?

The thought of traveling through picturesque villages and charming towns while sharing his passion for candles filled him with excitement.

With his decision made, Connor dove into the preparations. First, he needed to make changes to his narrowboat with warm wooden interiors and ample space for his candle-making supplies.

Next came the logistics. He had to learn the ins and outs of trading, including how to navigate the canals single handed, moor the boat, and manage his supplies while on the move. (See Chris below!)

He also revamped his online store to include a section where customers could track his journey, find out where he would be moored next, and even pre-order candles for local pickup. As he set off on the adventure, he quickly realised that life on the canals was a delightful change from his previous career in the Merchant Navy.

Each morning, he woke up to the soothing sounds of water lapping against the hull and birds singing in the trees. He enjoyed exploring quaint towns, meeting locals, and sharing stories of their candle-making journey. One of the biggest changes he faced was adapting his business model. He learned to balance his time between traveling and producing candles. He scheduled candle-making sessions in the evenings, often accompanied by the glow of his creations as they floated peacefully along the waterways. He also embraced the vibrant community of canal boaters, attending local markets and fairs where he could showcase their candles.

As he traveled, Connor discovered that being a roving trader brought them an unexpected joy. He found inspiration in the landscapes around him, creating limited-edition candles inspired by the colors of the autumn leaves, the scent of wildflowers along the banks, and the memories of the places he visited. His customers loved it, often returning for more and eagerly sharing their experiences with friends and family.

The journey was not without its challenges—navigating the locks, dealing with unpredictable weather, and managing his inventory were all part of the adventure.

However, he embraced each obstacle as a new story to tell, making his business not just about selling candles, but about the experiences and connections he forged along the way. As the seasons changed, so did the business. He became known not just as a candle maker, but as storytellers of the canals, bringing warmth and light to every place he visited.

His journey on Narrowboat Ardea turned into a treasured chapter in his life, blending his passion for candles with the beauty of the UK’s waterways. In the end, Connor found that the adventure of being a roving trader was more than just a change of scenery; it was a way to live his dream, share his love for candles, and create lasting memories on the enchanting canals of the UK.