H OUSE & GARDEN
The Power Of Candles They really can help combat trauma and stress
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t a time when mental health and wellbeing are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, one woman is striving to show people how they can find solace and relaxation through the power of candles. There is no denying that life is hard right now for many people. We are living through unprecedented and challenging times so it is no wonder that people are finding themselves pulled in every direction at home and at work, while at the same time trying to ensure their own wellbeing does not suffer. It is a tough ask. Latifah Ojukutu-Macauley’s own journey started in 2017 when she spent a year nursing her late mother. It was after this difficult time that she started to create her own unique blends
of essential oils that were reminiscent of her childhood in an attempt to nurture herself through the grieving process. As a qualified teacher she understood the importance of self-care as well as the therapeutic value of essential oils, so it seemed only natural that she blended the two. With both wellbeing and ethics in mind, artisan home fragrance brand Imọlẹ Candles was born in an attempt to redefine how people value, and also how they recycle, their candles. Latifah explains: “I understood the importance of self-care as well as the therapeutic value of essential oils, so here I found solace in creating unique blends that were reminiscent of the British and Nigerian cultures that evoked memories of my childhood.” The eco-friendly candles feature unique oil blends with British and Nigerian influences. And, because smell has powerful connections to memory and emotion it is possible to discover a new level of relaxation through their use. What’s more, all candles feature wooden, crackling wicks and earthy, woody scents that go beyond their intended use. All of the concrete jars that house the candles are hand-crafted before the candles are hand poured. People are then encouraged to re-use or upcycle the jars into everything from plant pots to pencil holders, prolonging their use and helping the environment. imolecandles.co.uk
“I understood the importance of selfcare as well as the therapeutic value of essential oils, so here I found solace in creating unique blends that were reminiscent of the British and Nigerian cultures that evoked memories of my childhood”