Hi, I’m Shiji – the hands and heart behind Soy and Bee candles.

Our tiny candle business started as I was coming out of a tough patch with my health. Mentally, I was feeling stuck for a while, and I was slowly beginning to recover and feel like myself again. I needed something that gave me purpose, a sense of achievement and something that made me feel happy. One day, while working from a coffee shop, I had a sudden thought: “I want to start a candle business.”

It brought back memories from childhood—melting broken candles, that my dad would bring home from our church, into my mum’s glass spice jars. I remembered the joy I felt creating something with my hands. Both my husband and I have always loved candles and beautiful scents in our home. That fondness, along with my need for healing, became the spark that lit my candle journey.

As I began researching, I was shocked to learn that many big candle companies use paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum. When burned, it can release toxins into the air, which may affect the air we breathe in our homes. I knew I didn’t want that for my family, or for anyone else. The more I read, the more I discovered the beauty of beeswax used in ancient times, and how soy wax, a natural, cleaner alternative, is now trusted by mindful candle makers.

That’s why every candle I make is crafted with safe, clean ingredients. I pour each one with love and intention, hoping and praying it brings you peace, tranquillity, and a little moment to yourself.

This isn’t just a business, it’s a part of my story, and a way to bring light into yours.

Shiji