Shelights is a sustainable candle brand created by Emese Pasztor (myself) in Oslo, Norway. My goal is to lighten up people's everyday life with a combined experience of light, scent and design that is kind to your eyes. 

Making candles has been my passion project ever since 2019. My father is a beekeeper, so we always had beeswax around ever since I was a child. I started playing around with it early on, then in 2019, I have started a small business in Hungary, selling only beeswax candles. 

Starting my business in Norway hasn't been an easy ride - it happened, meanwhile moving here in 2021. I developed everything from scratch, not knowing anything about how to run a business, how to pay taxes in a foreign country, how to do marketing, etc. The only thing I knew was how to make candles. It started off slow, and step by step, I built up a community of people that helped me along the way.

Lately I haven't been able to give it much attention because of the lack of funds. Christmas seasons has been great ever since I started, but not enough to keep the business going in the slow months. With ingredients getting more and more expensive, and a drop in the number of costumers, I kind of lost the motivation to keep buying, with the uncertainty of being able to sell. This is why I need help: to get a little push to continue. 

Why is Shelights sustainable?

- I source ingredients as locally as possible. 

 - I use the least amount of plastic possible. (Low-waste, not zero waste, since some of my raw ingredients - f.e. wax, comes in plastic packaging which is really hard to avoid)

- I use "healthy" ingredients, so it is sustainable from a health perspective too (essential oils, phthalate free fragrances, plant waxes, beeswax)

- I give 5% of my profits to GiveDirectly.org (which has been awarded as the most effective charity).

What I would use the money for?

- buying raw ingredients (mostly oils and wax)

- placing some targeted advertisements to reach more people

- buying equipment (pouring pitchers, scales, etc.)

What do you get if you support me?

- a product of your choice in the same amount as your support (this will be available once I am able to purchase new ingredients)

Thank you all,

Mesi