New Hobby Alert

This post is about a new hobby that has really helped me on my journey of reconnecting with myself: candle-making! I first encountered candle-making as an activity through my local library here in Las Vegas. Towards the end of 2024, I looked up books about anxiety and healthy eating and I wanted to explore more of what the various libraries in my district had to offer.

I’ve always had a love for libraries going back to my childhood. In fact I used to walk to our local library which was part of a huge system, the Queens Public Library. Later on in college, my work-study job for nearly all four years was at Lehman Library, which was the library for the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Working there led me to interact with lots of graduate students as well as be exposed to literary works and periodicals from all over the world. Then in my doctorate program, I found a part-time position at the library for my school, which was where I met my ex-husband.

The library has been a meaningful place for me no matter what age I am or where I live. During the most recent holiday season, I saw an advertisement for a candle-making event at the library. What sparked my interest was that this event was geared towards making soy-based candles. At this time, I was also learning about toxins and I was looking for ways to avoid phalates, parabens, microplastics, and other chemical byproducts that could be potentially harming my health and the health of my kids. My mother happened to be visiting me, and I signed her up to go to the class too. I loved bonding with my Mom during the two-hour class and learning something new together. We went home and I showed her a few YouTube videos from other candle makers.

What I’m Learning

I am truly fulfilled by the physical aspects of working with the materials, the memories of emotionally bonding with my mother in class, and creating something that I could enjoy by myself or with others. From this experience I’ve been inspired to explore different kinds of soy waxes, essential oils, vessels, and pouring temperatures. Candle-making reminds me of cooking a meal – it’s part art and part science. Experimentation. Creativity. Growth. Healing. These are all things I want and need more of.

It’s been more than three months since that class at the library, and I am really enjoying what I am doing. I’m coming up with different scents by blending two or three essential oils in a candle. I just encountered my first tunneling issue using a metal tin. I’m figuring out how to create labels as well. I love that there are so many variables involved. I’m considering sharing candles with friends, but for now I am perfecting my candle recipe for my first scent. I’ve been playing around with lavender, patchouli, and eucalyptus.

I hope to keep you updated with what I’m learning on this journey. It’s too bad we can’t share these beautiful scents through the screen! Happy Spring!