My Journey: From Dreams of Exploration to Captivating Fragrances
2020 was set to be a year of globe-trotting for me, but fate had other plans & my journey as a candle-maker began.
I remember my first attempt at making a candle so vividly – I’d just burnt out one of my favourite candles and there was some wax left in the jar. Not wanting to waste the leftover wax, I tried to melt it down and transfer it to a smaller container with a wick I’d ordered from Amazon. But, when I lit my newly formed candle – there was absolutely no aroma.
Curiosity quickly got the best of me, and I turned to Google for answers. I embarked on late-night explorations into waxes, wicks, and fragrance ratios. The intricate scientific aspects of candle-making fascinated me. I also discovered just how many toxins are in the candles I used to burn regularly. As my research continued, my focus turned to the ethical concerns in sourcing the raw materials, particularly natural soy waxes.
It was then that the notion of a natural and ethical alternative to a paraffin candle really began to crystallize.
But there was a challenge. The affordable natural candles on the market didn't have the same strong scent that I’d grown accustomed to with paraffin candles.
The goal was simple: to create the best smelling natural candles in the UK.
I began by searching for suppliers that sourced the raw materials I needed in a sustainable & ethical way. I particularly focused on how the wax I used was farmed and wanted to ensure that the oils I used to scent my candles were cruelty free, vegan & free from parabens & phthalates. To reduce the carbon footprint I left behind, I prioritized local, UK-based suppliers.
You’d think that would be the most challenging part. But to create a strong-smelling candle at an affordable price using only these ingredients, was the real challenge. And that's when our unique natural wax formula came to life! This special blend of three natural waxes was carefully crafted right in my kitchen, after nearly a year of scientific exploration and endless trials. The result: a wax that could match the powerful scent throw of a paraffin candle, all while staying completely natural and budget-friendly.
(Oh, and, just so we know our wax remains the best, we regularly test and compare against the other natural waxes on the market.)
The journey hasn't been simple, but fast forward three years, and I am proud to be triumphant in my endeavour. What started as a little lockdown curiosity has blossomed into an ethical, sustainable, and consciously luxurious lifestyle brand that seamlessly blends with my passions for nature, travel, and refined interior design.
We really do have the secret formula for the UK’s best smelling natural candles - and I still hand-pour each and every one in small batches!
- Avi K Panesar, 2023