Meet Bianca White
After starting her own business just over two years ago, Bianca White has gone from strength to strength. We were lucky enough to collaborate with her on a selection of sell-out Christmas candles, hand-painted with our favourite butas and tropical motifs. We catch up below on her journey from primary school teacher juggling an ever-expanding second business, to full-time boss and creative genius.
Your journey to becoming a one-woman business is truly inspiring! Can you tell us how Bable began and when you first started hand-painting candles?
It wasn’t intentional! I was actually a primary school teacher. On the side I always loved painting, and I was experimenting just for fun when I started painting candles about two and a half years ago. I simply shared a photograph of a painted candle to my personal Instagram, and I received so many messages about them! I then brought some to a dinner party as a gift for the hostess, where I got even more interest in the candles. I went home and set up a dedicated Instagram account, and it all started from there. After about a month I handed in my notice at the school, and have been doing this full time ever since. I just thought, it's now or never, it's time for me to shake things up a bit and put my life on a new path. I didn't have any business experience or a plan but, I just knew, I was willing to put my whole heart into Bable and I would regret it if I didn't try.
Wearing: Painted Meadow Cecille Dress | Painting: Tropical Palm Candle Set
What business lessons have you learned along the way and what advice would you give to other women planning on starting their own venture?
I love this question. I would say that it is going to be hard and uncomfortable at times. But, the successes and joy you will feel when you take that plunge to take charge of your own destiny absolutely outweighs this. You will feel empowered, confident and excited about life if you follow your dreams.
What have been some of the highlights of your business so far?
I have been incredibly fortunate to work with some amazing brands and people, such as French Connection, Matilda Goad, Fortnum and Mason and of course the lovely Pink City Prints. It is really hard to choose a favourite as I have genuinely enjoyed them all and become friends with so many of the amazing people that work for them. That is one of the best things about running your own business, you get to meet so many different people and make new friends that help and support you in so many ways.
Wearing: Painted Meadow Cecille Dress | Festive Buta Candle Set
Where do you draw inspiration for new candle designs?
I find my inspiration absolutely everywhere! Lots of my designs are based on nature such as fruits, flowers and the seasons. I love using colour and repeated patterns wherever I can.
We have loved collaborating with you - your candles are the perfect addition to our tableware! What other items do you think help elevate a table spread?
I’m such a flower person. I would say you can not go wrong with fresh seasonal flowers on any table, they add a little bit of life. They also work wonders at giving your table a different vibe at different times of year.
Wearing: Lace Trimmed Meadow Nightie
What are your top tips for hosting this Christmas?
My top tips for hosting this Christmas would be to keep it simple. Life is so hectic and busy, when you’re hosting you want to try and be stress free and enjoy the moment. I think little hints of festive dashes go a long way and look very chic on a table; maybe add a burgundy red velvet bow or a sprig of holly.
And lastly, which Pink City Prints piece will you be wearing for your next dinner party?
I haven’t taken off the Painted Meadow Cecille dress since I got it! It is the perfect chuck on dress to make you feel special and yet it is still extremely comfortable.
Left: Festive Buta Candle Set | Right: Tropical Palm Candle Set
Follow Bianca on Instagram: @bableit
