Take a deep breath, exhale and set aside a few mindful moments to practise gratitude. Slowing down to appreciate life around us amid everyday chaos is at the core of what Aggie Lambert, owner of Juni Candles, believes in. One of the many beauties of candles is that they symbolise a tradition, a ritual and a certain sense of calmness. Based in Hamilton, Aggie discovered artistic inspiration from her children, nature and the world around her. Fulfilling a lifelong creative urge, Juni Candles was born. A selection of her beeswax candles in many colours and sizes, and candle holders are all found in The Larder at Made Market or online at Rita Edited. As with any success, there’s trial and error and Aggie found herself going through quite the process of perfecting her range. “It’s a slow process, there’s quite a bit of science behind it. You have to get the temperature of the wax just right. Otherwise, you can get imperfections. If it’s too hot, you can damage elements of the wax and can remove a lot of the beautiful smell it has.” Sustainability and sourcing local products are at the heart of what this creative business owner does. Blending natural plant-based pigments with eco-certified candle dye creates vibrant and eye-catching colours for each handmade candle. Reflecting on where her products would end up in customers’ homes, she felt that candles alone seemed unfinished. In her vision, candle holders played an essential role in her design. Aggie collaborated with local steel fabricators to bring the candle holders to life, working closely to turn the envisioned design into reality. The creative flow and scented aroma doesn’t stop there. Aggie has plenty of ideas for the future of Juni Candles. “I have an idea for a box of twenty-minute candles, a little gift box to promote slowing down. Take twenty minutes out of your day to sit and be mindful and have moments of gratitude. We all get wrapped up and swept away in life – it’s becoming hard to take those moments.” In addition to expanding her product range, she is also interested in designing other homeware items using stainless steel and metal. A success on the rise, she dreams of one day selling her products in a physical shop of her own with a candle workshop out the back. Juni Candles is a name worth keeping in mind. @shop.juni.nz MIA BENNETT