A MUM from Alvechurch has took the leap from a full-time job to a start-up candle business and is inspiring others to follow their dreams.

Sarah Deacon, mum of two, quit her job as a primary school teacher after loosing the passion and flare for her once well loved- career.

Inspired by the bay tree in her back garden, Mrs Deacon has created a candle and wreath business named ‘The Bay Tree’ centred around her love for homegrown bay.

Sarah aged 40 said: “I went into teaching because I loved the creativity and there were lots of opportunities. It sparked a passion in me – I felt I made a difference.

“As the years went on the opportunities decreased as did the flexibility of the job. The pressure just became too much, and the creativity just died.

“During lockdown last year I got to the point where I was off maternity leave, and I didn’t want to return to work.

“I just thought I only have one chance at life, and I would do something that makes me happy.

“I have a bay tree in my garden and came with ideas on how to use it. I started making Christmas wreaths for people in the village and it just took off.”

Sarah left teaching in July to grow her business and now makes a variety of scented candles and wax melts as well as her original wreaths.

She added: “My life has changed dramatically – for the better.

“I would encourage other mums to think outside the box as sometimes we pigeonhole ourselves into a job and think we cannot try anything different.

"If my candles bring someone 20 minutes of peace in their chaotic day then I have achieved something.

“Be brave and follow what you love, and the knock-on effects will follow…”