When Bridie called into our office early 2023 with a vision board to create Coco’s Coffee and Candles we could see straight away that this was an exciting business that would be impactful in Aberdare town centre.
Already running a candle shop in a side street, this was an ambitious plan to take on a much larger, more central shop and create a boutique coffee shop and candle making and sales business.
We awarded Coco’s Coffee and Candles £44,100.05 in May 2023. This was a majority loan and a partial grant.
Coco’s Coffee and Candles launched in January 2024 and a few weeks ago we went along to visit with some of the PyC Board members.
What they have created is a real asset on the high street which is a testament to their dedication and planning. As well as Bridie’s role they already employ a number of local people.
Thomas Tudor Jones, Chair of PyC, who visited with other board members a few weeks ago said “it was lovely to get the opportunity to visit a project the fund has supported and see it come to life. The board is always so excited to support applications that contribute to developing our communities. Investing in the retail sector and in well kept, attractive local high streets is a key priority of the communities in the area of benefit, as detailed in the fund’s prospectus. What Bridie and her team have created is unique. Pop along to see for yourselves. Pob lwc Bridie a’r tîm. Bydd wych!”
“We’re honestly blown away by the support of the community: we have had queues out the door and we even had to close early sometimes because of demand. There are no words to describe how grateful we are the feedback has been incredible. We are thankful to Pen y Cymoedd for believing in us and supporting our vision.” – Bridie, Coco’s Coffee and Candles