YANKEE ARMY FAN FOCUS
TWITTER NAME : @PGCE2009
Please tell us a bit about you
Hello everyone, my name is Ben Smith (my tag line for
University president was "plain name, exciting guy!"). I'm 34 and an early years specialist who
teaches Reception. It Is my 2nd dream
job, after of course owning my own Yankee Candle shop! I reside in east London, just past the
Olympic village, although I’m originally from Manchester, moving here in 2005.
I teach in a middle class area called South Woodford, which is famous for
hosting TOWIE venues if you've ever seen it.
Anything else interesting? Well I worked in football for 6
years for two premier league clubs as a club secretary. Fascinating world, met lots of people however
I don't regret leaving that career behind.
I am musically trained, attending a specialist music school from the age
of 11 and can play the French Horn and Piano. I've also been in a relationship
since 2000 and our engagement party is planned for later this year.
How did your Yankee Candle obsession start and when?
My long suffering partner actually tells me that he had 6
little jars he bought from QVC in 2009 but apparently I showed no interest. On
an impulse last May, he bought True Rose in a large jar and is still convinced
I showed no interest. After a discussion
now, he says I went into the local art shop which sell them (Julie knows that I
don't like the staff members there!), bought a Clean Cotton and my obsession
started there. In fact he says its
amazing how recent it is this obsession judging by my growing collection.
Ben's downfall...
Can you tell us a bit about your collection
Ok, let me just go and count.... Dum de dum...60 large, 4
medium, 5 small, 25 votives, 66 melts and swirls and full cool pops
collection. I'm purely just a large jar
fan really but since purchasing the TSV from QVC, I've used the warmer frequently. I also adore pillars... ;)
Are you a collector, a burner or both?
I'm definitely a burner, however as my collection continues
to grow, there isn't time to burn so I, technically, am a collector. I won't
buy reserve ones though and will give duplicates away (or sell them for a
reasonable price!)
What is your favourite Yankee and why?
I really like the
floral family and that surprises me actually.
It is normally my 'go to' family fragrance. But I have to say I really
enjoy ANY lemon based candle: Lemon Lavender, Sicilian Lemon, Sparkling Lemon
etc (haven't smelt Country Lemonade so couldn't say!). I think 'true to life' is really apt with
these fragrances.
If you could suggest one unmade scent to Yankee what would
it be?
Ooo tricky. Most
people always say Fresh Bread don't they! I would love a mint fragrance,
perhaps peppermint which I know you can get in the US but we aren't lucky
enough yet. Or maybe Battenberg?! I do
like marzipan... Or maybe amaretto?! Ok I’ll stop now.
Which Yankee Candle do you wish was brought out of
retirement?
Erm, well as I'm new to this obsession, I wouldn't really
know what has been retired
What was the last candle you bought/ were given?
I've got 2 Lavender on its way from QVC! In fact I've
noticed tonight that they've gone up in price! I check websites every day! I
was last given Honey Blossom by soon to be mother in law.
<><><><><>