How it started
I love writing in this section because I feel it allows me to connect with you.
Pulauu was a passion project.
Born out of the fact that I was tired of the way candles were being burnt. I love candles. I love them for their scents, their intentions, and also the way they magically transform the environment around us. So I kept buying and burning, and buying and burning.
I once went to US and brought back a luggage full of 18 glass jar candles! 3-wicks, single wicks, jars with metal caps, jars with paper covers, candles with no jars and wrapped in plastic.
After many years of using candles, I'd accummulated an overwhelming collection of glass jars and metal tins that were lying around underutilised. I wasn't proud of it.
So one day, I ordered myself a small pack of soy wax beads, calculated the ratio of my oils, grabbed a bali-inspired 'nalu bowls', and then poured my own candle. How exciting, I thought.
Unfortunately, it failed miserably.
I spent the next 6 months subsequently changing the way I approached this. I reached out to a candle making factory in Vietnam and asked if they could make them using coconuts shells. Vietnam is one of the largest producers of coconuts, and its proximity to Singapore means that I can bring them in with a smaller carbon footprint.
They sent me options of coconut shells and wicks to choose from, as the different density, size and shape of the coconut shell and the type of wick affects how a candle burns.
I handpicked my scents because I like those that have functional benefits and go beyond just smelling nice, which is why Citronella and Lemongrass were the first two scents I chose to launch Pulauu with. They are invigorating, they remind me of beach holidays, and are also amazing insect repellents.
Today, every candle is individually wrapped and sent off with best wishes. It is a therapeutic process and one I am so happy to be able to share with you, and my intention is that these candles light up your lives the way they have done so for me.
From your fellow candle igniter - Nicolle