We Mean Business: ‘It’s a whirlwind of feelings – but there’s always a shadow of doubt that hovers over me’
The founder of a luxury and cruelty-free candle company has revealed the “whirlwind of feelings” that come with running a business, including a continuous “shadow of doubt”.
Launched in February, the Chronicle & Echo’s latest campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.
The twice-weekly stories spotlight what Northampton stands to lose if your favourite businesses were to close down, highlight the biggest challenges they currently face, and encourage greater support from the powers that be and the community before it is too late.
The next innovative business owner to share her insight is Janene Francis, who launched Lyss & Vay Candle Co. in 2020 having worked in the corporate property industry for the two decades prior.
After ordering a candle making kit to pass the time and develop a hobby during lockdown, this saw Janene quit her career just a few months later to establish a full-time business hand pouring soy candles.
The business owner decided last year was the right time to take the next step, and she opened her first shop in St Leonard’s Road at the start of March 2025.
The founder has worked hard to continue building a cosy and inviting sanctuary that customers return to time and time again, as well as the introduction of workshops in collaboration with other independent businesses.
Let’s take a look at what Janene had to say…
How would you summarise your experience of running an independent business in Northampton at the moment?
“It’s a whirlwind of feelings,” said Janene. “I love it and it’s absolutely something I wanted to do, but there is always that shadow of doubt that hovers over me. When you see lots of small businesses closing, you feel it’s becoming a ghost town and there’s a lack of footfall, that worries me a bit.”
What are the biggest challenges you currently face as a business owner, and what impact do these have on the daily running of your venture?
Janene continued: “The rising cost of materials, supplies and utilities, everything is going up and that’s my main worry. As a business we try to absorb as much of that as possible so it doesn’t impact customers, but there’s been a slight price increase in my stock as I can’t absorb everything.
“I’ve had to rethink the days and hours I’m open when there’s not a lot of footfall. On quiet days you’re at a minus if you open. I’ve reduced the days I’m open by one and small tweaks save money.
“I’m open Wednesday to Saturday and that seems to work. I’ve been monitoring footfall on St Leonard’s Road and this works better for me around family life.”
What more do you believe could be done by the local authority and national government to minimise your current challenges and ensure your survival throughout 2026?
“There needs to be more funding available and more things that promote people to shop locally rather than online,” said Janene. “When you lose small businesses, you lose the sense of community. When people spend locally, the money stays locally. We will only exist if we protect it together.
“They could lower rent as there’s so many empty units in the town centre, or make rents more affordable for small businesses. This would encourage people to shop in our town rather than online.
“Northampton has lots of hidden gems, not just the town centre. It’s not just about promoting the town centre but all the other surrounding areas as well. Some people come into my shop and say they didn’t know I existed.”
What do you believe Northampton stands to lose if your business were to close down? What unique offerings do you bring to the town that would be sorely missed?
Janene said: “My shop is not just a candle shop, it’s an experience with a personal touch. People come in to buy something in particular but they may leave with a different scent after having a conversation.”
The founder has noticed that more people are now visiting Lyss & Vay Candle Co. for gifts, particularly vouchers for workshops and the pop-in and pour candle bar. “As much as it’s a shopping experience, it’s a gifting experience too,” said Janene.
What small actions can our readers and the Northampton community take to support your business in 2026?
Janene concluded: “If someone is looking for something for themselves or a gift, take a walk or do some research about what your local town or high street has to offer. Keep our businesses alive and our town thriving.”