You, Me & Bones
Q&A WITH WAAN PIVASIRI
Tell us the story of your business – was there a particular moment, person, or need that inspired it?
I stumbled upon candle making in 2013 as I wanted to have something interesting to do on the weekends - some kind of hobby. Once I'm into something I get super passionate and I wanted to make myself candles I couldn't readily get at the time. I started off by making skull candles, then branched into our signature product the Doll Head candles from there. Because Doll Head candles weren't really available at the time, I couldn't buy pre-made moulds to pour the candles into, so I made my own.
What first steps did you take to turn your business idea into a reality? Was it difficult, or did everything come naturally?
It kind of just happened, really! I think it’s a very classic hobby-turned-business story where I started off by just making for funsies and then friends and work colleagues wanted to get in on some You, Me & Bones action, which led me to start a Facebook & Instagram page and selling them on there before having a website! Super low key, amateur style. It was actually super scary when I realised I had to quit my day job as a front end web developer to put all my energy into YMB full time, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Describe the kind of person who buys your products. Why do you think they love your business? How do they benefit from your products?
My customers are those who appreciate a bit of quirkiness in their lives. Definitely open minded with a sense of humour! Our pieces are conversation starters and we’ve received heaps of feedback from customers that not only appreciate the look of our products in their homes but also how long the scents last.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
My partner Daniel is an artist; he is a tattooist by trade but he paints, draws, sketches, sculpts as well as dabbles in digital art. I just don’t understand the extent of his talent - how is he even real? His passion and creativity inspire me. Daniel designs and makes our new products as well as help me with mould making. He will also be helping me with customer service/sales because he is a tiger and gets things done, and I am not as 'tiger-y' as he is.
Where do you think your area of design is headed in 2020? Are there any trends that you’ve identified? Have they affected the direction of your business?
Awesome packaging seems to be the key in the candle making industry! I’ve also been loving the increasing trend in the ceramics industry and we’ve been adding handmade ceramics to our collection for the past couple of years now and it’s going really well.
What advice would you give to someone who has a creative business idea?
If you don’t ask the question, the answer will always be ‘no’. Give it a go, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
