https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/tags/localhistory/Recent content in localhistory on Birmingham DailyHugo -- gohugo.ioen-usWed, 06 May 2026 04:42:00 +0000https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/from-kitchen-startup-to-vogue-how-a-small-midlands-candle-company-shone-bright/Wed, 06 May 2026 04:42:00 +0000https://birminghamdaily.co.uk/from-kitchen-startup-to-vogue-how-a-small-midlands-candle-company-shone-bright/“I know many people say they ‘started in the kitchen’,” says Paul Briggs, “but for us, it was literally in our kitchen.” Four years ago, crane operator Paul was given a candle-making kit by his partner, Viki Smith. That modest gift sparked the creation of Dark Foundry No 8, a luxury candle company rooted deeply in the West Midlands. Today, their exquisite candles have caught the eye of heavyweight publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ, marking a remarkable journey from a humble kitchen workspace to national recognition.