Party candle sales let Fiona see the light (From Gazette & Herald)

Party candle sales let Fiona see the light

A Pickering woman had a flash of inspiration which turned into a truly life-changing experience for her and her family.

Fiona Sheppard, 47, sells candles and candle products through parties organised in people's homes.

Her business operates throughout Yorkshire, and she works with a team of 25 people.

She is finding the work fits perfectly with her life at home with husband Paul, 51, son Christopher, who is 23, and daughter Heather, 20, who has a serious hip condition.

She loves the products she sells, and enjoys working in a relaxing environment.

Life was very different for Fiona a few years ago.

After Paul was made redundant, Fiona had to take on three part-time jobs in the local school, for the local council and stacking shelves in the local supermarket.

In the middle of this, Heather was diagnosed with her condition and had to be taken to Sheffield Children's Hospital 90 miles away.

"The period was a nightmare. They put a pin in Heather's hip, and she had to walk with crutches and could only wear trainers.''

Fiona added: ''She was bullied at school, and the teachers used to ask her why she couldn't wear proper shoes.

"It was a tough time for us all. I think Christopher had to practically raise himself as we were looking after Heather."

During a well-earned night off, Fiona was invited to a PartyLite candle show at a friend's house. While there, she decided that selling was the job for her.

"I didn't want to go. I only went because I didn't want to let a friend down.

''I was bowled over by the range.''

At her first show, she made exceptional sales, and soon gave up her part-time jobs to focus on the candle business.

Fiona has just taken part in fundraising event as part of Yummy Mummy Week with cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The event raised more than £100, but she found that she had to invite people personally as the PartyLite name is not well known.

"Part of my job is signing people to have parties.

''I still find that people don't know what PartyLite is, even though we are the fourth highest direct sales company behind people like Virgin Vie.

"Before this, I thought it would be the worst job in the world to work on commission, but I just love it."

And life at home is also better. Heather has just completed her first year at university, and Christopher, who runs his own timber business, is to get married next year.

Updated: 14:28 Wednesday, October 12, 2005