Meet the Business Owner: Kim Leerentveld from Milkshake Candle Company

AlburyCBD: Tell us a little about yourself – what’s something about you people might not know? 

Kim: I’m originally from Townsville in Far North Queensland. But my husband, Michael and I have been here for 12 wonderful years with our two young boys, Harrison and Oliver. Before this, I was in property management and worked as a branch coordinator for a labour-hire company before diving into the candle-making business.

AlburyCBD: Tell us about Milkshake Candle Company. What’s your why, and what do you love about running your business?  

Kim: I started Milkshake Candle Company with just $500, selling what I could at markets, and it just grew from there. It all stemmed from my love for fragrances. I remember going down to the local IGA in Queensland and just falling in love with a small candle there. Each of my pregnancies had a special scent, and they still take me back to those moments. Every special moment has a scent, think weddings, family dinners, all the good stuff. For me, the smell of mangoes brings back so many good memories. 

We transitioned from markets to opening our first shop in AMP Lane, Albury, about six years ago, so I’ve been immersed in this business for 13 years now. 

We have built a great team of five and I genuinely love them all. They’re all equally unique, and as a business owner,  I like to play to their strengths. We have heaps of laughs—there are often dance-offs and karaoke sessions in the candle shop, and don’t get me started on our love for whipping up a great curry to share together!

AlburyCBD: What’s a challenge you’ve had to overcome in business?  

Kim: As a business owner, it’s always a bit of a juggle wearing all the hats. We make everything ourselves, and I’m pretty hands-on in production. Some days, I’m running around for 12-15 hours, and that can be hard! That’s why we keep a good stash of wine on hand, haha! But I treasure every minute.

AlburyCBD: What would you be doing if you weren’t running Milkshake Candle Company?  

Kim: If I weren’t running Milkshake Candle Company, I’d like to think I would be living on a farm, out in the middle of nowhere. I imagine for two months a year, it’d be a Christmas tree farm, then for the remainder of the year I’d have this big barn with a bookshop, a cafe, and a candle store. And I’d be out fishing and camping every day, that would be the dream! 

AlburyCBD: What do you love about being in the AlburyCBD?  

Kim: The support from the AlburyCBD and the community is just amazing. All the local businesses really look out for one another. There’s a beautiful collaborative spirit here and everyone leans on each other. If you need help, all you have to do is ask, and someone’s there for you. It’s not competitive, which is just so refreshing. 

Plus, we love the stunning scenery of Albury, which is why Michael and I chose to stay here. You get to experience every season, and it’s just stunning.

AlburyCBD: As last year’s Window Display winner, can you share a few tips to create a theme?  

Kim: I am absolutely obsessed with Christmas. I would suggest for businesses to plan as early as they can. We start planning our window display as early as July. We focus on how to capture the magic of Christmas from everyone else’s perspective. The magic is real and I truly believe that.

AlburyCBD: What do you love about Christmas in Albury CBD?  

Kim: I love our window display, of course! But it’s also about the closeness among like-minded businesses that brings me joy. There are so many fantastic businesses in Albury run by genuinely good people. When people come in, they feel that warmth and service from businesses ready to lend a hand. Everyone’s all about spreading the cheer.

You can find Milkshake Candle Company at 544 Olive St, Albury. Follow the team on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated, and explore their website to find the perfect fragrance for every moment.

Some answers have been lightly edited for flow and clarity.