Keeping the flame alight

ESTER KAMATI



A field service engineer by profession, Lotus is always on her feet, and when she isn’t on her feet, she is working with her hands. She has a fond appreciation for nature and enjoys taking in new sights by taking walks, hiking or “cruising” on her skateboard.

After a long day at her day job, Lotus gets home to bring Lotus Moonlight Candles to life. Lotus Moonlight Candles are homemade, hand-poured, scented candles with essential oils and natural herbs that promote relaxation, purify the room and reduce anxiety.

Lotus started her candle business during lockdown when she wanted to take up something new to keep her mind entertained. This experience gave her more than she expected though, as a wave of empowerment and peace came over her during the process. This inspired her to make more candles and keep going, now making candles for more people.

“The empowering feeling of knowing I can do something with my hands, pour my sweat, passion and love in there and know that I can reap the rewards of my labour, is what inspired this new venture,” Lotus says.

This was also an opportunity for her to earn an income and pay her bills while doing something that gives her peace.

She says candles can be used in many ways: to create ambience, for aromatherapy and as décor. According to Lotus, candles embody the five elements: earth, water, air, fire and spirit.

“The wick signifies the earth as it keeps the flame steady, the wax that transforms from solid to liquid has the element of water, the air keeps or extinguishes the flame, the flame itself is the connection with fire and, lastly, the focus and intention set upon the candles when meditating or just relaxing symbolises our spirit energy.”

Change is a major inspiration for Lotus, as she firmly believes in the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to achieve growth.

Lotus is also an ambassador of the arts. She loves to create, not only candles but music too. Quality time with loved ones is an important component for her and she also prioritises catching up on sleep when she gets some free time.

Three items she cannot leave the house without are her phone, wallet and, by government rules, her mask.

Speaking about the importance of entrepreneurship, financial independence is uppermost on her scale, along with knowing how to manage your finances.

“Young people are at a greater advantage of taking risks and being adventurous with ideas and I encourage them to do so fearlessly and mindfully. Establish yourself and your business with an empire mindset.”

Like many start-ups, she experienced challenges including managing cash flow along with juggling a day job and her business. Some of her greatest rewards include the loyal client base she has established so far, along with a better understanding of business.

“I have a deep appreciation for people that work hard at their own business ventures to put food on the table for their families,” she shares, adding that business is a humbling process as along with business growth and change come personal growth and change.

“For now, the main goal is to not get overzealous, but to make sure that the Lotus Moonlight Candle name has been properly established and put out there.”