A Kilmarnock woman's candle empire has been snuffed out after ten years with potentially thousands of sales representatives axed suddenly.
Darceys Candles was binned by owner Jackie Daziel, with the businesswoman citing 'rising costs and the economic crisis' for the decision'.
Ms Dalziel pulled the plug last week in an email to her UK-wide sales force and ambassadors. Less than five years ago, Darceys had 5,000 reps selling their products including handmade scented candles, wax melts and other perfume-based products.
The CEO said her family had suffered when her firm was starting out and she didn't want to put them through any more.
The email read: "As you know, it's a tough climate out there with rising costs and the economy crisis.
"After 10 years and knowing the next few years ahead are going to be tough, I'm stepping down and stopping Darceys.
"This has taken me months to reach this decision, as you can imagine, it's not an easy one.
"My family has suffered so much in Darceys early days whilst I was building the business and I'm not putting them through, possibly the same again.
"The rising utility costs are so much and we can't pass on the price increases as yourselves and your customers are in exactly the same economy crisis."
The firm's rise was seen as a source of inspiration after the full operation was burned down in 2015 and managed to overcome the odds to be a huge success three years later.
However, the business registered for liquidation on January 27 and was confirmed by Scotland's insolvency service yesterday. The firm also has a factory in Drybridge.
Darceys website and Facebook page has vanished since the announcement. The website simply reads: "Thank you and goodbye".
Customers reportedly directed ire at the firm's Facebook page before it was shutdown. It's been claimed a Darceys shop in Kilmarnock town centre, which opened in November on Bank Street, will remain open despite the firm folding. People online were unhappy at the development in light of the sales reps being cut adrift.
When the Kilmarnock Standard visited the shop on Monday afternoon and again on Wednesday, it was closed.
The shock closure of the business comes a few short months after Jackie Dalziel made herself the sole CEO of Darceys Candles LTD on October 11, 2022. The established business - Darceys (Scotland) LTD - was incorporated on September 3, 2014 and liquidated last week.
Devastated sales representatives have been taking to social media to wind down their operations with many now looking for an alternative source of income.
Jackie Dalziel has not responded to our request for comment.
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