WHEN Suzanne Blakestone started making beeswax candles in 2009 she never thought it would lead her to a national title.
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The Fingal Bay resident won the title of Champion Candle in the National Honey Show Products of Apiary at the Sydney Royal Easter Show last week after her candles received the top overall scores.
From the 19 candles she entered 14 of them placed - four first places, five seconds and five thirds.
"It is more important to have something I enjoy doing rather than making a dollar," Ms Blakestone said.
"I don't have a business, I have a hobby."
She entered the competition for the first time last year and took home two first and two second places.
It all started when a back injury meant she was unable to continue in an office job and candle making proved a relaxing pastime.
"Work had been my life, I had no hobbies."
Ms Blakestone said she woke with the idea after dreaming about a candle-making kit she had as a child.
"I thought 'it can't be that hard to do'," she said.
But she said the process was rather technical and you had to get the wick, temperature and wax cleanliness just right.
She said that while she operated a small business, Suz E Bee Candles, she kept her prices down so more people could enjoy a beeswax candle, and that she barely made a profit. Her candle stall can be found at the Newcastle Farmers' Market on Sundays and online at suzebeecandles.com.au.