Neurodiverse Edinburgh entrepreneur builds thriving candle business with Business Gateway support
An Edinburgh-based entrepreneur is turning creativity into commercial success, as her handcrafted candle business continues to grow with support from Business Gateway.
Bonnie Glow, founded by Emily Streete, creates handmade candles and wax melts inspired by Scotland’s culture, language and humour. Crafted in Edinburgh using sustainable vegan ingredients, the products are designed to offer high-quality fragrance with a distinctive Scottish personality, appealing to individual customers and retail partners alike.
Sustainability is at the heart of Bonnie Glow, with Emily recently introducing a refill scheme that allows customers to return used tins at markets in exchange for a discount on their next purchase, while all packaging and wrapping is created using upcycled materials.
Since launching, the business has grown steadily, securing its first retail listing in the city and attracting interest from other stockists keen to offer locally made, authentic products. Alongside its core range, Bonnie Glow also offers personalised candles for weddings, celebrations and gifts, as well as wholesale opportunities for independent retailers. Emily is also a regular trader at markets across the city, including Grassmarket, Stockbridge, Leith and Portobello markets, helping to build a loyal local customer base.
For Emily, launching Bonnie Glow marked a significant personal milestone. Diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year, she has navigated the challenges of neurodiversity while channelling the creativity that has become central to her business. Drawing on a background in music and performance, she built the brand from scratch, developing everything from product concepts to branding herself.
Business Gateway proved to be the catalyst that took Bonnie Glow from passion project to scalable business. Working with adviser Lee Briggs, Emily accessed one-to-one guidance across business planning, company regulations, tax and marketing. She also took part in workshops focused on marketing strategy and growth, and recently applied for additional support through the Expert Help programme.
This guidance has helped Emily build confidence in running her business, develop effective promotional strategies and identify opportunities to increase sales and grow her customer base. It has also provided valuable networking opportunities, connecting her with other local businesses and support organisations.
Emily Streete, founder of Bonnie Glow, said: “I’ve always had lots of ideas and creativity, but structure and organisation didn’t come naturally to me. Bonnie Glow has given me a way to focus that energy into something real and sustainable.
“Working with Business Gateway has helped me build confidence and put clear plans in place to grow the business. Having that support and guidance, especially in the early stages, has made a huge difference.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Emily’s journey is a great example of how tailored support can help founders play to their strengths. She has a huge amount of creative instinct, and once we worked in a way that suited her strengths, the business really started to flourish.
“Seeing the confidence Emily now brings to decision‑making and long‑term planning has been genuinely rewarding.”
Business Gateway Edinburgh offers tailored support for neurodiverse founders, including dedicated advice, resources and specialist workshops designed to reflect different ways of thinking and working. This includes practical sessions such as marketing support for neurodiverse minds, helping entrepreneurs build confidence, develop strategies that play to their strengths and access guidance in a supportive environment.