Words by Ashiyath Imala

Since ancient Roman times, candles have been used for countless reasons. Back then it had been used extensively for religious and spiritual reasons and also as a source of light for homes. In these modern times, it has become more of a decorative item, the majority opting for the scented candles with different kinds of fragrance. We tend to give candles as a token of appreciation and love. Some use it to refresh their minds and souls. For the peace and calm.

All of you must be wondering why I am going on and on about candles right? That’s because we had the honor of interviewing our very own local candle brand called KKonceptt Kandles founded by Aminath Noor also known as Nooriana. She is an 18year-old student who is studying for a degree in business marketing and management at Villa College to fulfill her dream of being an entrepreneur.

To start off, we asked Noor how she came up with the idea of making candles. With an enthusiastic smile she responded. “Since childhood I have had an interest in candles. I used to pretend like I had some magical power and played with the fire. My mom would even buy me candles. So, during the lockdown I thought of making a candle as an experiment after ordering a mold. My family and friends really liked it so I thought I should start selling”. Hence, I couldn’t help but ask whether she got the kind of reaction she was hoping for now that she has started her business. “Yes, I got orders more than I expected for which I am very grateful for, Alhamdhullillah” Noor replied.

“Since childhood I have had an interest in candles. I used to pretend like I had some magical power and played with the fire”

“As I said before I started it off as an experiment, I really didn’t think I would be starting a business. It was just something I did with my mom for fun. Also, when I initially started I had only one mold to create the candles and it was very hard for me. It even broke at  one point and was a complete disaster.” Noor continued with a laugh.

Next, we asked her why and how the name KKonceptt came about and what her brand stands for. “I actually knew that I wanted to create and provide a diverse variety of decorative candles with different concepts. That’s how the name came about. My brand stands for creating different designs to be used as decor items.”

In a span of three months, KKonceptt has amassed quite a number of followers which is quite impressive. Her Instagram feed is eye catching with different colors and fragmented candles which prompted us to ask what kind of products are available at the moment. She showed us a recently released candle called Rindheli which she found inspiration from the lavish design of the “Rindheli” shell found in Maldives and Bubble  Kandle which comes in two sizes.

“I customize all candles as customer preferences with either scented or unscented, in any color they request. Currently I have seven fragrances which are Lavender, Cherry  Blossom, Bluebellvine, Vanilla, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus.”

When asked about Noor’s marketing strategy, she replied “I do my own marketing and my mom helps me a lot in making the candles. Also, I would like to learn and develop myself and become an independent woman as I grow older and I hope to inspire others  to do the same”. Noor continued as she told us what she wanted out of this experience.

Moreover, the biggest challenge she faced was at the beginning making the candles for many orders with one mold and not being able to do it in a fast speed. “I used to wake up at 6 in the morning to create the candles and it takes up to 6 hours to dry and to do it with one mold was really hard. At one point the mold got so overused that it broke and somehow, I managed to fix it. I would say that was the biggest challenge I ever faced.”

Noor’s advice to the youngsters who is thinking to start any business is that, “It is never too late or never too soon to start chasing your dreams. Be brave enough to do it. For me, it has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am so grateful for everything that has been happening. I actually did not expect to get so much orders and was very overwhelmed with the few orders I got daily.”

Furthermore, Noor attributes her success to her mother who had raised her as single mother who has proved to her that you can do anything you set your mind to. ” I am so thankful for my mom and siblings, stepdad, uncle and aunt who has been really supportive. They have always been ready to help me in whatever needs I have. Most importantly I am really thankful for my customers and supporters without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Noor continued with a beaming smile.

In regards to the community responds and feedbacks, Noor had to say that she mostly received positive feedbacks. “Customers really appreciated the smell and find the candles very cute. Most importantly they are very happy with the prices I am selling. I actually didn’t want to sell the Rindelli candle at the rate I am selling currently but a lot of effort and time was going into creating it due to which the price is higher than the rest. ”

As for the future, Noor has high hopes to make different varieties and designs to prove that Maldivians are even creative people. “For example, Liyelaa Jehun is such pretty designs from our ancestors which I absolutely love. So, I just want to prove that creativity like that still exists.”

Finally, we got to see Noor create her magic candles. The intense expression on her face says it all. She was doing what she loved with so much love, care and dedication. One would say she was truly in her own little world. Working so flawlessly. Her every detail was so precise and accurate. It was truly a mesmerizing sight to behold. We wish Noor all the best for her future endeavors.