A soothing fragrance always uplifts the mood at my home. I have an irresistible attraction for sweet smelling candles and love walking through candle stores taking in every fragrance.
I recently came across this Batam (Indonesia) based candle company called Riau Candle. What drew me to their candles was their very relaxed signature white design. I wanted to learn more about the company and had a quick chat with founder Stephen Stewart.
Riau Candle is a social enterprise company which operates out of a space provided by the Anchor Coffee Company in Batam. The company has interesting beginnings. Owner Stephen met a lady named Maria at a clinic while she was trying to save her dying child. He helped take her son to the hospital and save him. Later, they partnered together to launch Riau Candle, a non-profit enterprise dedicated to uplift the lives of the impoverished.
To learn the ropes, Stephen spent time with another candle company. Today, the brand has 24 fragrances in its portfolio of scents and is slowly working on improving its distribution network.
Riau is doing its bit for the environment – they try and source everything locally. The candle wicks are lead-free and the candle lids are made of recyclable wood. The company also employs people in difficult life-situations and helps them make a living.
The company was kind enough to send me my all-time favorite French Vanilla fragrance to review. The candle has an incredible scent, but if you are a little more experimental go for some of their more interesting fragrances. Cinnamon, Brown Sugar and Fig, Island Coconut, Christmas Tree, Spice Market, Mountain Rain – all very homely fragrances.
Most of their fragrances transports me back in time to some well-cherished memories.
Do you feel the same way?
Riau Candles are available at:
- Hat of Cain, The Social Space in Singapore
- Anchor Café and Roastery, Batam (Indonesia)
- Kota, Batam
- Belle Monde Boutique, Louisville Kentucky, USA