Meet Annie: The Candle Maker at The Old Mushroom Farm

A subtle scent of perfume and melted wax drifts from Tunnel 9b at The Old Mushroom Farm, where you'll now find Margaret-Anne Handcrafted Candles. The studio belongs to Annie—candle maker, creative spirit, and lifelong Howick local—whose work is infused with intention, feeling, and a deep love of craft. We caught up with her to learn more about how she began her journey, what inspires her, and why The Old Mushroom Farm has become her creative home.

Please introduce yourself, introduce your business and describe what it is that you do.

I am Margaret-Anne, known as Annie. I grew up in Howick and have always been drawn to the arts that we have in this beautiful area of the world. I loved experimenting with all types of crafts as a child and started making my own candles at a young age. Now, years later, I always travel with a candle, and lighting it up brings me a sense of comfort. I find flames mesmerising and often notice myself staring at them for ages, bringing a sense of warmth and light to the world. I am proud to now have my own handcrafted candle studio at the Old Mushroom Farm. I craft candles to appeal to the senses and to ignite a sense of meaning through intention, quotes and crystals. It really is more than a candle to me, it’s a feeling. 

Would you describe your business as artisanal?

Yes, I would say that my business is artisanal as I try to take great care in the crafting process. A lot of thought and intention goes into my work.

How and when did your business start? And how long have you been at The Old Mushroom Farm?

At the beginning of 2021 I started selling my candles at the Karkloof Farmers Market and was very encouraged by the positive feedback I received. This meant the world to me, and the support of all the people I have met along the journey has made my business what it is today. ‘Margaret-Anne’ has grown slowly over the years and continues to bloom. It is wonderful to now have such an amazing space in which to craft candles at the Old Mushroom Farm. I started at The Old Mushroom Farm’s ‘Makers Market’ in 2021 and fell in love with the concept of the farm. The area brings such a sense of peace and grounded energy to all who visit.

If your business journey up to this point was a movie title, what would it be?

‘Step by step’

Sometimes in life, it is not easy to take great leaps, but I do believe, as long as we keep moving forward, no matter how slow, things can grow in the most beautiful way. 

What is your favourite thing about being at The Old Mushroom Farm?

The people. Genuine authenticity is what you find here. A sense of starting from the grassroots and growing together.

What message would you like to put out there to encourage folks to support small businesses like yours?

We live in such a consumer society that being able to meet the maker of a product and see it being created in front of you can be quite a rarity. It is encouraging to hear more people ask how something is made and inquire about the ingredients that go in. I’m an advocate for conscious consumption- it helps your community thrive and also enhances your awareness of the products you buy.

There’s a calm presence that Annie brings to her work— driven by a deep care. Each candle, mister and diffuser tells a unique story, from the way it is made, to the way it will be experienced. Whether you’re visiting The Old Mushroom Farm for the first time or returning as a regular, be sure to pass by Annie's studio in Tunnel 9b and say hello. You may find something that speaks to you.

Contact Margaret-Anne Handcrafted Candles via WatsApp 073 476 1056, email ma-candles@pm.me and follow along on Instagram @margaretanne.candles