KANDILA NZ

For Aira Ebue, lighting a candle in her bedroom became integral to her self-care routine. However, she later realised the candles she was using gave both her and her husband an allergic reaction.

Because of this, she decided to do some research into the different kinds of candle waxes and fragrances involved in making a candle. At the same time, she was hoping to find a hobby that would fill her spare time and one that could potentially become a business.

From there, soy candle company Kandila NZ was made.

“The biggest surprise for me was that there were already so many candle-making suppliers within New Zealand, which made it so easy to start,” she said.

At Kandila, Ebue takes on the role of owner, content creator, planner, budget maker and everything else needed for her brand. While at the same time, her husband helps drop off customer orders at the post office.

What makes her brand unique is that all her candles are hand poured, modern and minimalistic. Ebue also uses environmentally friendly ingredients, including natural soy wax, cotton bag packaging and phthalatefree fragrance oils.

Her signature collection originally started with only three scents; by the middle of last year, two new scents were introduced. Her current favourites from this collection are the Lychee & Black Tea and Japanese Honeysuckle. She chooses her range based on her favourite scents she discovers during testing as well as trying to find a scent that is not often found in stores.

“From having a scent to wake up to at the beginning of your day to something to wind down to when having your “me” time, I’ve got you sorted.”

Ebue is most proud of the loyal and ongoing customers she has received since starting her brand. One day she hopes to expand further by getting more wholesalers throughout New Zealand and grow her current range with new and exciting products.

“Candle making for me is very therapeutic, I find the whole process soothing, and it calms my mind space. Even though it is hard work and sometimes I don’t have the motivation to do it, when I start to get in the zone, I remember why I started,” Ebue explained.

From a young age, Ebue was exposed to her father's photography studio and from there, she also found a passion for photography.

“I remember having this old film camera, a Barbie brand, and it was hot pink, and I would take it everywhere with me.”

She also went on to explain that some of the most memorable moments for her were when the whole extended family would have picnics at the park, and she would be snapping pictures of them.

When she landed her first job, she brought a digital mirrorless camera for herself to enjoy. Now she gets to combine her passion for photography and candle-making with Kandila.