THE owners of a candle making company say it is “really surreal” to be nominated and shortlisted as a contender for high street shop of the year.

Amalia Pothecary, who launched The Botanical Candle Co. in Shaftesbury with James Osborn in 2014, added that the accolade would enable the shop and studio to come back “even stronger” following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The business was shortlisted for ‘High Street Shop of 2020’ in The Independent Awards 2020, spearheaded by retail entrepreneur Holly Tucker MBE.

Amalia said the competition started with around 50,000 nominations put forward, which has now been whittled down to 20 in her category.

She said it was “a huge surprise” to hear The Botanical Candle Co. was selected, adding: “It’s so surreal - we didn’t know about it until it was announced!

“To make the cut is wonderful and terrifying but it gives validation that people love what we do.

“Just knowing that people had gone out of their way to vote for us is so humbling so there is no pressure. Just to be considered is an amazing feeling.”

Despite being set up six years ago, The Botanical Candle Co. moved to its current home in The Commons in 2018, transforming the home-grown venture into a shop and studio.

Currently competing against 19 other indies, The Botanical Candle Co. will find out if it is a competition finalist on December 8, determined by public vote and expert judges, and then the final will be held on December 17 at 7pm, via Ms Tucker’s Instagram account.

The high street category will be judged by Oliver Tress, founder of Oliver Bonas, and Mark Constantine OBE, co-founder of Lush, with a cash prize up for grabs.

Talking about Ms Tucker and the importance of independent businesses, Amalia added: “[Holly] is an amazing character and such a powerhouse of a woman - she is so driven and it is incredible she created these awards to celebrate the best of these smaller businesses.

“It is these businesses that will cause the resurgence of the high street.”

Amalia added: “Independents offers a different, memorable experience, they offer something else by bringing more stories and character to an area, it’s what people choose Shaftesbury for.”

For more information and to vote visit The Independent Awards 2020 website.