A civil servant from Derry has said the success of her online business has meant she is confident she can move with her family to start their new lives in Australia.
Ciara McEleney, who is from the Carnhill area, started 'Ciara's Candles' online last Christmas with the hopes of making "personal gifts" for family and friends.
The 41-year-old spoke to MyDerry about setting up this venture.
She said: "Ciara's Candles was basically set up in 2021 as personal gifts for family, friends and teachers and it has now turned into a small business.
"I saw a gap in the market at the time and I thought why not go for it. There's only one other person from the city who does them and I made contact to get their blessing and they were absolutely lovely.
"They told me there was enough sunshine to go around for everyone.
"I also recently started the Explore It programme and it has really taken off from there."
Ciara recently set up a Facebook and Instagram page and has managed to accumulate nearly 4,000 followers between the two already.
She told us that she "would never have believed" that she would be sending people's precious memories on her candles around the globe.
"I recently sent items to Australia, the USA and throughout the UK as gifts for people. It's been unbelievable and I can't thank people enough for their support. I am delighted," Ciara added.
"I plan on setting up a website now so people can buy them globally. It's all so exciting and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the business."
Ciara and her husband Ruairi McEleney, along with their two daughters, are also set to move Down Under in the coming year with the family waiting for visas before the big move.
"It's a dream for us all to move to Australia and we can't wait to make the move over there.
"I've been a civil servant in Northern Ireland for years but now that I've got Ciara's Candles established that's going to be my job when I get there."
You can find out more about Ciara's Candles on Instagram HERE.
