PLEASE NOTE: the Glass Age Exhibition that I wrote about in the Artisans of Bali, 2 June issue, was postponed, please contact Hanna for the latest information on the revised exhibition date, to be held in Jakarta.
NOW, moving forward to a boutique candle manufacturing business that has already landed the prestigious United Nation’s UNESCO ‘Award of Excellence’ for one of their popular designs, ‘The Banana Leaf Collection.’ These quality luxe candles are mostly decorative, however affordable, and are some of the most coveted product around the globe, & they are 100% handmade in Bali!
NATURAL LIGHT CANDLE COMPANY
Kelly Marciano and her team of artisans create amazing candles at Natural Light. “It takes eleven pairs of hands to pour, craft, paint, and hand finish each candle. We are an advocate for the craft industry and hope to use our product to help keep traditional handicrafts skills alive and promote the idea of ‘hand-made’ to retailers world-wide. Our discerning consumers appreciate the quality and know there is no comparison to mass produced machine-made goods”.
Kelly says “In a world overrun by technology, our hand-crafted candles provide a reminder of mans’ unique ability and gift to create.
The process begins by choosing the best grade of natural beeswax or sustainable palm wax. This is then refined, blended, and hand-poured. After moulding, each candle is hand-finishing and painted. Even the packaging is hand-crafted. The candles are like nothing you’ve seen. Designs incorporate very detailed embossed textures that when lit, create shadow play and mystery.
Natural Light Candles won their Award of Excellence because their product conformed to rigorous international standards, original designs, eco-friendly materials, and responsible business practices which embodied the UNESCO ideal of craft advocacy.
Kelly stresses that on the job training, equal employment opportunities and staff benefits, (such as health & medical care) are vital, to ensure that all staff are comfortable working within their surrounds. And, the company is totally committed to being socially responsible and is currently applying for official International Fair Trade certification.
Back to the candles, “Our policy is to sell our own unique, decorative designs which are influenced by the natural environment of Bali, classic designs in fine art, and, by current trends in home décor, fashion and home fragrances” says Kelly.
There are gorgeous candles for weddings, christenings, birthdays, and romantic dinners. A variety of colors, shapes & patterns, feature intricate and fine designs – tall & short, square & round, some set within clear or frosted glass & boxed. Over 700 candle designs are categorized into decorative styles which convey different design stories and compliment any decor. Candles are produced both scented and unscented. Those that are scented are infused with exclusive fragrance oil from French perfume houses.
Most of the candles are for export, destined for the most respected retailers & brands throughout the world (department stores, boutiques, high-end resorts & spas) Our goal, says Kelly, ‘is to continue to develop new & timeless product lines which bring elegance, sophistication & a point of difference to any retail or personal space.”
Now, where can one buy these lovely candles for home & personal gifts? I am delighted to announce, that Natural Light Candle Company has taken their first step into the retail arena, opening soon in the new Kayu Aya Square, No 18, Jl Oberoi, Seminyak.
As Kelly says, “The new store will showcase, not only beautiful & exquisite candles, but will provide the space to display some witty & funky wax objects, that will demonstrate the skills of her talented artisans. This summer we will be retailing several styles that are featured in the upcoming film - Eat, Pray, Love”
See you there !
Head Office & Wholesale Showroom:
The Natural Light Candle Co, Bypass Ngurah Rai 144, Padang Galak, Sanur. T: 288 072 or E: info@naturallightcandleco.com www.NaturalLightCandleCo.com
