For Akankshi Sharma, who started Candles in Goa six years ago, candles are not just about fragrance, but about creating a calming atmosphere
CHRISTINE MACHADO | NT BUZZ
Like many creatives, Akankshi Sharma, aka Twinkle’s, foray into candle making began as a personal experiment.
“I have always loved candles. There was something about their warmth, fragrance and the atmosphere they created that always attracted me,” she says, adding that she “genuinely loved the result”, which slowly turned into a passion.
Soon, she began contemplating on making these for others. “I thought, if I love candles so much, maybe other people would love it too,” she says.
Over the next year, she devoted herself to understanding waxes, wicks, fragrances and burning behaviour and learning how to make candles with a long-lasting fragrance.
In 2020, Sharma, who had previously held a white-collar job and worked as a professional photographer, launched Candles in Goa.
“People often ask why I didn’t choose a more fancy or unique name. But I wanted Goa to be a part of my identity. Goa is my home, my inspiration and my livelihood. It has given me so much. So keeping Goa in the name is my little way of showing my love and respect for the place. I want the world to know it is specially made in Goa,” she says.
The brand currently offers 16 fragrances and caters to weddings, corporate gifting and other occasions through wedding favours, return gifts, gifting hampers, bulk orders and customised orders.
“There are companies across India that also sell our candles as part of their brand,” she says, adding that she has a small production unit in Parra.
In particular, she specialises in aromatherapy candles. “I use candles during candle yoga, meditation and quiet personal time. I find them extremely calming, especially after a long or stressful day,” she says. It is this personal connection, she says that led her to create aromatherapy candles. “I was particularly interested in how different fragrances can influence the mood and atmosphere of a space,” she says.
Sharma now also certifies people in candle-making. “For me, that is a very special achievement, going from teaching myself everything to being in a position where I can teach and certify others,” she says.
But running a business, she adds, requires consistency, listening to customers, accepting criticism, and maintaining quality. One challenge, she says, is customers comparing candles mainly on price. “They want an inexpensive candle but sometimes forget that quality ingredients, proper testing, good fragrance and a well-made candle have a cost.”
But what keeps her going is the many repeat orders, compliments and feedback. “When someone tells me that they light my candle after a long day because it helps them relax, or that the fragrance has become part of their yoga or meditation routine, it feels incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Sharma intends to keep experimenting with more fragrances. She would also like to continue developing new candle experiences and grow the business beyond Goa. “There is still so much I want to learn, create and explore. I am excited about what the next few years can bring.”
