By Rupa Seenaraine
Whoever would dream to associate candle making with helping animals? The thought seems undeniably challenging, or some may even say impossible. But for Tunuja Persaud, it totally works!
The 23-year-old student, who recently launched her candle line, TheBEAN, started her journey of making candles, to which proceeds are contributed to paws that are in need of assistance.
Speaking with the Sunday Times Magazine, Persaud said she currently studies in Miami and serves as a freelance tutor to young kids to boost them for the upcoming semesters. However, there was some fascination with scented candles and the desire to make them often arose.
“For as long as I’ve known myself, I’ve love scented candles and I always thought about what it would be like to actually make them. I had researched a long time ago about the sciences behind candle making and I was intrigued, I knew one day I was going to make my very own candles,” she shared.
This was realised last Christmas when she was gifted a candle making package, courtesy of her eldest sister, which initiated the whole process. By March, Persaud said she had embarked on a complete experimental exercise to learn the ropes of producing such candles and the variations that could be achieved. Suddenly, the idea of using that skill to help animals clicked since she is an avid lover of companion pets.
“Last Christmas, my eldest sister and her husband gifted me a candle making package and this was just the little push that I needed to remember. In March 2019 I started a full experimentation on candle making and by then my love for companion animals had grown and the idea of merging these two things that always caught my attention emerged; making scented candles and trying to help animals.”
At first, it was not that easy. To achieve perfection entailed testing large amounts of wax at different temperatures with the right amount of scent, all with the intention of producing a product that would meet the expectations of customers while conveying demands. With enough practice and determination, the final product was created.
The Business Administration student relayed, “Making candles aren’t as easy as people would think. And I strive for perfection when it comes to making my candles; I went through 10 pounds of wax just by experimenting and learning the do’s and don’ts; the amount of scent to add, the temperature throughout the entire process, whether the wick you have works and much more. The more I understood the process the less time consuming it was.”
Presently, there are two scents available – Blackberry Jam and Vanilla Caramel Explosion. As for presentation, the candles are moulded in mason jars, attached with a little charm which speaks to the amount of effort that is poured into each one. When finished, the jars are totally reusable after the wax is removed by heating. In the future, she is hoping to expand the line to feature additional mind-blowing scents.
“TheBEAN candles are currently available in two scents, Blackberry Jam and Vanilla Caramel Explosion. I do plan to introduce different scent into the line as I also have many more plans for this new venture of candle making.”
Tunuja is encouraging patrons to support her initiative since it cares for animals who are in need of shelter, food or other resources. The first contribution was made to provide food supplies but future donations will seek to tackle all necessities of the little beings.
“My candles contributes to animals in need, and by this, each candle sold contributes towards helping to care for animals in Guyana. So far we are focusing on helping the locals in Guyana that takes in rescues or strays. For our first contribution, food donations were given but the aim is to provide in different ways as we know there [are] many animals out there looking for homes and needs to be taken care of medically.”
So far, there has been an astounding response, which has resonated positively. Social media has also played a pivotal role in linking supporters with this creative undertaking. The hunt is on for persons who have rescued or cared for animals and are in need of assistance to provide for them.
“The announcement of the candle line and its purpose definitely projected a positive response from many individuals. I’ve received many heartfelt thanks for starting this initiative along with a range [of] acknowledgement and social media coverage. Our first contribution was made to Genevieve Beepat and I was beyond happy to see her response with the contributions. We are looking for other individuals that are taking care of animals that are in need of assistance,” Persaud expressed.
Interested persons who are willing to contribute by purchasing candles can make contact through social media fronts on Facebook at Lit.guyana or Instagram with username Lit.gy.
