Frankie Worthington is the owner of The Annex Accessories, which makes luxury soy candles in Norfolk. With a second home fragrance and lifestyle store set to open in Walsingham by the end of this month, Frankie shares the story of how a side project has turned into a thriving business
First things first, who are you and what do you do?
Hi! I’m Frankie, founder of The Annex Accessories, a home and body fragrance brand based in Norfolk. We handcraft soy wax candles, our famous wax brittle, reed diffusers, and a growing range of home accessories, all designed to add a little luxury and calm to everyday life.
What is the background to The Annex Accessories and what were you doing before?
The Annex started in 2021 as a side project while I was still working full-time as an Operations Director in the sports franchising industry, a role I held for over nine years. I’ve always had a love for home styling and scent, and what began as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving retail business. Now, it’s a six-figure business with a small team, two physical shops, and a loyal customer base.
Are you Norfolk born and raised? What do you love about living and working in the county?
Yes, I’m Norfolk born and bred! There’s something really special about the sense of community here, people genuinely support local, and I think that’s played a huge role in the growth of the brand. The slower pace, coastal beauty, and creative energy of Norfolk make it a brilliant place to live and work.
What’s your mission – and how important is sustainability to you?
Our mission is to create beautiful, high-quality home fragrance products that people fall in love with and come back to, without compromising on sustainability. We use soy wax, avoid plastic wherever possible, and work with other local makers to reduce our carbon footprint.
We also proudly partner with Norfolk-based businesses for our printing, packaging, and marketing. While it’s true that overseas options can sometimes be more cost-effective, we believe in supporting like-minded, independent businesses, even if it costs a little more. It’s all part of staying true to our values and keeping our community at the heart of what we do.
How would you describe your range of candles/products?
Our range is luxurious yet accessible, designed to enhance everyday rituals without feeling too “precious” to use. We’re known for our strong, long-lasting fragrances, minimalist branding, and thoughtful design that brings style and calm to your home. Each scent is carefully selected to suit different rooms and customer preferences, making our products versatile and widely appealing. Every item is crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients and a steadfast focus on sustainability.
Where are you based at the moment?
We’re proudly based in Norfolk, with our first store nestled at Black Barn Farm in Salhouse, a stunning hub for local independent businesses, built on community, friendship, and mutual support. Here you’ll find our retail shop and studio, where every product is carefully hand-poured by us.
Congratulations on getting the keys to a second space! What can you tell us about that one and when are you looking to open?
Thank you! We’re so excited about our second location, it’s in Walsingham, and it’s going to allow us to expand both our product range and in person experience. We’re aiming to open the doors late July. It’s a huge step forward for us and we can’t wait to welcome new customers. Make sure you follow us at @TheAnnexAccessories for updates on when we will be opening and to secure a space at our launch event.
Where else can people find your products and how can people find out more about The Annex Accessories in general?
You can shop with us online at theannexaccessories.com or visit us in-store. We’re also stocked in lots of lovely shops across the UK. For behind-the-scenes content, launches, and restocks, you can follow us on Instagram @TheAnnexAccessories.
What are your hopes and dreams for your business?
My vision for The Annex Accessories is to grow into a nationally recognised brand, celebrated for its quality, sustainability, and timeless style, all while staying deeply connected to our Norfolk roots. I dream of expanding our product range and opening more beautiful retail spaces across the UK, creating inspiring environments that reflect our values.
But this journey isn’t just about our own growth, it’s also about giving back. I’m passionate about supporting and mentoring other local businesses, helping them scale and succeed just as we have. Building a community where independent brands can thrive together is at the heart of everything I want The Annex to stand for.
The Annex Accessories, Black Barn Farm, Salhouse, NR13 and (from late July) Unit 3, Guild Street Barns, Walsingham, NR22 6BU. You can also now find The Annex Accessories stocked in the new Norfolk Food Hall at Norfolk Showground. Visit The Annex Accessories and follow on Instagram.
Featured image of of Frankie Worthington – supplied
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