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Bahraini Hana Tawfeeqi, who has a passion for creating natural and sustainable products that promote a healthy lifestyle, has been providing people across the kingdom the gift of eco-friendly fragrances that also exude warmth.
Having always been drawn to the warm and inviting atmosphere that candles create, the eco-conscious entrepreneur delved into making her own and now has her SOY Collection placed in different shops across Bahrain.
“As I became more conscious about the impact of synthetic fragrances and chemicals on our health and the environment, I began to look for alternatives,” said Hana, who has a Bachelor’s degree in business events management from Melbourne, Australia, where she lived for four years. She is now pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Strathclyde in the UK.
“This led me to discover the world of natural soy candles, which are made from a renewable resource and burn cleaner than traditional paraffin wax candles,” she explained. “I was fascinated by the process of making candles and the endless possibilities for creating unique fragrances and designs.
“I began to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, and after much trial and error, I found a formula that produced beautiful, high-quality candles that I was proud to share with others.
“I decided to turn my passion into a business, creating sustainable luxury candles with biodegradable packaging and offering a refill service to reduce waste. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to make more conscious choices when it comes to their purchases and their impact on the environment and raise awareness about the harmful effects of synthetic fragrances and chemicals.”
According to Hana, her candles are made with 100 per cent natural soy wax which is also biodegradable and non-toxic. “I also use high-quality fragrance oils that are free from phthalates and other harmful chemicals,” she added.
Some of her fragrances are made with essential oils, which, according to her, offer a more natural and therapeutic scent experience.
She uses ‘cotton wicks that are lead-free’ and provide a clean and even burn. Even her packaging is biodegradable as the candles are packed in reusable glass jars with cork lids that are appealing to the eye and sustainable.
“The jars can be repurposed and used as a storage container, a vase, or even as a small planter,” she added. “All of our candles are hand-poured in my small lab inside my house in Bahrain.”
On average, it takes her about two to three hours to prepare the wax, fragrance, and wick for one to 15 candles, and another five hours for the candle to cool and set properly.
However, because it’s natural, it can only be used after two weeks, so that the ingredients are mixed well during the second week.
It may sound like a long process but it’s worth it as burning soy boasts several benefits— such as offering better fragrances since it has a lower melting point which means it can hold more fragrance oil and it can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
“Overall, soy candles are a healthier, more eco-friendly and longer-lasting alternative to traditional paraffin candles— especially for pregnant ladies, people who have kids and pets, and those with allergies,” Hana said. “You can keep it on for hours and you don’t feel the toxic air from it.”
Through her collection, she hopes to encourage people to live a more mindful and conscious lifestyle and show them that they can make small changes that have a big impact on the planet.
“Additionally, I hope to inspire and empower other Bahraini women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and show them that they can succeed in any industry with hard work and dedication,” she added.
“To new entrepreneurs, never give up on your dreams and passions, even when faced with challenges. Believe in yourself and your abilities and stay committed to your vision, even when it feels like the odds are against you. Always be willing to learn and adapt, and be open to new opportunities and collaborations.”
For details, follow @soybahrain on Instagram.
