The commitment to creating unique ways to experience the natural benefits of herbs and the feeling I get when co-creating new products and experiences was where the collaboration with Homecoming Candles ignited from. I crossed paths with Suraiya Nanji, founder and candle maker during the early years of WOASH at local markets, I was easily convinced to stock up on my scented candles from her emerging company.
Her unique scents, attention to detail and overall approach to the full candle experience was what drew me in. When I approached her about infusing tea into a candle instead of her natural approach using essential oils she was excited for the challenge as this was something neither of us had ever done or experienced. As we began our research if this was even possible, Martha Stuart's article assured us it was possible but in no way going to be an easy feat.
We took a deep dive into the experience I was trying to create with every Me Time Beeswax Candle lighting and the intention behind each natural element from cotton wicks, 100% sustainable beeswax, organic tea and the hand thrown reusable tumbler that encompassed it all. Keep reading to hear how Suraiya finds candle making meditative, the trial and errors of each unique batch and how she had to get out of the way to bring our vision to life.
Interview with Suraiya Nanji of Homecoming Candles
Was there a pivotal moment that made you explore this creative path of candle making?
How did you harness your skill?
What do you enjoy most about your candle-making?
The actual process of candle-making can be really meditative, which is always a nice process to come back to, but what I really enjoy about Homecoming is getting to conceptualize new products and collaborate with people in the community.
How do you create space for new ideas and creativity to flow?
I’m fortunate to work in a world that I genuinely love, so I’m always digesting design trends, learning about new products, and exploring what’s out there. When in doubt, I open up our collection of candle scents and see if there’s something new that might inspire a product, idea, or collection. We have a few new scents in the works that started that way, but I can’t share too much about them quite yet!
"My job was to stand out of the way and let the natural beauty of each component shine."
What inspired the unique design of our Me Time beeswax candle?
I loved the handmade ceramic and the concept of incorporating tea in the candle. My job was to stand out of the way and let the natural beauty of each component shine.
Photo by Cristina Gareau
What does your process look like to bring one of the beeswax candles to life?
Because beeswax is a natural ingredient it can be temperamental. The same pouring technique or melting temperature that works for one batch might not work for another. This really means you need to take cues from the wax itself.
Post creating, how do you recharge and enjoy a little me-time?
Shop The Story
ME TIME BEESWAX CANDLE
$51.20
Aromatherapy | Relaxing | Air purifying | Hypoallergenic | Non Toxic | Safe for pets A therapeutic infusion of our Me Time Tea blend and pure beeswax to invite the reflection of sunset and the rebirth of a new season into your space.… read more
