Taking some time out for myself at the new Ria's Workshop

If you're looking for a personalised gift or for some time out for yourself in the run-up to Christmas, Ria's Workshop, at Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington, is the perfect spot. 

The new workshop and community space was born from a desire to reconnect people to what is truly important in their lives.

From shopping for unique gifts, wellbeing books, bath, body and home products, to making your own scented candle, the workshop is a physical space to help people escape. 

Owner Ria Casebourne studied computer science and started a career as a computer programmer, but she craved doing something more creative. 

She went on to set up her own creative business but, during the pandemic, headed in a new direction and fell in love with candle making – the right balance of creative and technical that helped her focus.

Now she has set up her own 'wellbeing' space at Millers Farm Shop, recently opened by Sue Stone of TV's 'Secret Millionaire', and it has so far proved popular with shoppers looking to take a moment to relax amid the pre-Christmas rush. 

I was invited along to experience Ria's Workshop and it felt great to take an hour out of my busy week just to focus on myself. 

Having suffered from loss of smell having had Covid three times, I was a little unsure how much I would benefit from a scent-based experience. But as soon as I walked through the doors of Ria's workshop I was delighted to notice the beautiful scents in the air. 

From floral and fruit to fresh coastal scents, I spent plenty of time exploring Ria's large selection of fragrances on the 'scent wall', beginning to discover my sense of smell once again. 

I whittled it down to five fragrances and eventually selected one favourite that instantly made me feel calm and relaxed. 

At the 'candle bar', I learnt how to make my very own scented candle, from fixing the wick, pouring the wax and adding the fragrance, to making my own label. 

Ria encouraged me to take my time adding the fragrance, being mindful of how the scent made me feel and focusing on how I would like to feel when lighting it. 

The experience reminded me how important it was to take some time out for myself amid a hectic work and social schedule in the busy run-up to Christmas and I left feeling a lot lighter.

As well as candles you can also make your own lotion or room spray, or blend your own scent. The products available at Ria's Workshop make perfect personalised gifts or a treat for yourself.

A light and airy community space can be booked for group or community events, with plans to offer yoga, sound baths, crystal workshops, business networking, creative classes, photography, baby massage, business training and more.

Creative Christmas workshops are already on offer, including Paint & Processo, Christmas Candle Making, Angel Needle Felting, Make & Take with Daddy, and Children's Christmas Crafts.

For more details, to shop online or book a session, visit love-ria.co.uk