As Mother's Day approaches in Ireland, our hearts are filled with gratitude and love for the incredible women who have shaped our lives. Mother's Day is a time-honored tradition in Ireland, where families come together to celebrate the love, wisdom, and unwavering support of mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures.

While Mother's Day is typically a joyous occasion, it can also be a bittersweet time for those who have lost their mothers. We acknowledge the profound grief and sense of loss that some may experience during this time. To those who are missing their mums, we extend our deepest sympathies and encourage you to find solace in the power of candlelight.

Candlelight has long been associated with remembrance, healing, and hope. Lighting a candle in honor of a lost loved one can provide comfort and serve as a symbol of eternal love and cherished memories. This Mother's Day, we invite you to light a candle in remembrance of your mum, keeping her spirit alive in your heart.

At Milis, we understand the importance of creating moments of warmth and comfort, especially during times of reflection and remembrance. Our range of candles offers a variety of scents to soothe the soul and uplift the spirit. Whether you prefer the fresh aroma of Vine - tomato leaf, basil, and jasmine or the delicate fragrance of blush darjeeling and tea rose, we have the perfect candle to create a serene atmosphere in your home.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us take a moment to honor the women who have nurtured, guided, and loved us unconditionally. Whether you're spending the day with your mum or holding her memory close to your heart, may the glow of candlelight illuminate your path with love and warmth.

Thank you for choosing Milis for all your candle needs. Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day filled with love, light, and cherished moments.

As a small business owner, navigating challenges is par for the course. From managing time constraints to juggling multiple responsibilities, the journey of entrepreneurship often demands adaptability and creativity. One such challenge I've recently encountered is the need to reduce packaging while maintaining efficiency in my operations.

Reducing packaging might sound simple, but in reality, it's a multifaceted task that requires careful consideration of various factors such as environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Despite the initial expectations of a swift resolution, the process took longer than anticipated. However, I'm proud to announce that I've developed a new box design that not only minimizes waste but also streamlines the packing process.

This new box design allows me to eliminate the need for tissue paper and two labels, significantly reducing both material usage and packing time. By simplifying the packaging process, I can focus more on other aspects of my business, maximizing productivity without compromising on sustainability.

However, as any small business owner knows, time is a precious commodity, especially when balancing multiple commitments. In my case, I continue to work three days a week for the Irish Cancer Society, adding another layer of complexity to my already busy schedule. Managing time effectively becomes paramount, requiring meticulous planning and prioritization to ensure that both professional obligations are met with equal dedication and excellence.

Amidst these challenges, I'm also preparing to launch a new product next month. Exciting as it may be, it adds another dimension to the already delicate balance of managing my small business and part-time work. From arranging photography sessions to sourcing packaging materials and designing labels, the to-do list seems never-ending. Yet, it's a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly, knowing that each hurdle brings me one step closer to achieving my goals.

Despite the inevitable juggling act, I remain optimistic about the future. The journey of entrepreneurship is not without its hurdles, but it's also incredibly rewarding. With each challenge overcome, I find myself growing stronger and more resilient. My passion for what I do fuels my determination to succeed, propelling me forward even when the road ahead seems daunting.

In conclusion, the challenges of running a small business are numerous and varied. From reducing packaging waste to managing time effectively while juggling multiple commitments, the journey of entrepreneurship demands flexibility, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Yet, amidst the chaos, there's a sense of fulfillment that comes from pursuing my dreams and making a positive impact on the world around me. As I continue to navigate these challenges, I'm reminded of why I started this journey in the first place – because I love it, and I'm committed to continuing to grow, one step at a time.

For many of us, a particular scent has the power to transport us back to a specific moment in time. Whether it's the scent of freshly baked bread that reminds you of your childhood home, or the aroma of a certain perfume that evokes memories of a loved one, scent and memory are intrinsically linked. At Milis, we understand the power of scent-memory association and use it as one of the key inspirations behind many of the scents that we produce for our handmade eco soy wax candles.

As an Irish business, we draw inspiration from the natural beauty of our country, with scents such as Déise (sea salt and gorse) capturing the essence of Ireland's landscape. Our candles also make the perfect gift for any occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries, with scents like Morning (coffee, honey & oats) or Zest (blood orange and goji berry) offering a comforting and relaxing atmosphere to any household.

At Milis, we take pride in our eco-friendly and ethical approach to candle making. Our candles are made from 100% natural soy wax and are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. By using sustainable ingredients and packaging, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

At Milis, we believe that scent has the power to evoke emotion and transport us back to treasured moments in time. We draw inspiration from Ireland's natural beauty and our own lives to use scent-memory association to create unique and unforgettable blends for our handmade eco soy wax candles. With our commitment to eco-friendly and ethical practices, we offer a guilt-free indulgence for anyone looking to enhance their home with beautiful scents.

Love, Fiona

When I set out to create our range of soy wax candles, one thing was an absolute priority. The creation of the candles from start to finish needed to use sustainable materials whenever possible. Life’s little luxuries shouldn’t come at a cost to the environment, which is why I refer to our products as sustainable indulgence. Our soy candles and melts are designed so you can enjoy them guilt-free. Read on to learn about how we incorporate sustainability into each step of the candle-making process.

Our Soy Wax                       

The soy wax we use for our handmade candles is a renewable resource. Soy is much better for the environment compared to many alternatives such as paraffin wax, as it doesn’t pollute the air when it burns. Soy wax is completely plant based and not extracted from oil, making it a sustainable choice as the soya plant can continue to grow after it is harvested. Soy wax is biodegradable and has a lower melt point. It burns for 50% longer than a paraffin wax candle would, so you don’t have to replace your candles as often. I source my soy wax from Cargill,  who are committed to ending deforestation related to soy production. Sustainability is at the core of their business, so I couldn’t be more delighted to use their wax for the creation of our candles.

Our Wicks

Milis candles are made using a cotton and paper-braided wick, so you can light your candles knowing these materials aren’t harmful to you or the environment, and can be disposed of safely. Our wicks are free from lead, making them non-toxic and phthalate free.

Our Jars

All Milis candles are contained in glass jars. Our jars are sourced in Ireland, so no air miles are used in the transportation process. When you finish burning your candle, you can reuse your glass jar for whatever purpose you like – such as a trinket holder, a plant pot, or an office supply organizer. To reuse your jars, you can boil a cup of water and pour it into your jar to pop out any remaining wax and use hot soapy water to scrub off the label.

Our Packaging Process

The boxes our candles arrive in are sourced in Ireland and are made using brown kraft card that can be recycled. We also use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the candles which is also recyclable. Our mailing bags are recyclable too, so you can unbox your candle when it arrives and pop all of the packaging in the recycling. When we send out wholesale orders, all packaging is plastic-free. I reuse cardboard boxes and packaging whenever possible, so each step of the process remains sustainable.

When creating our candles, each step of the process has been thoughtfully designed and sourced with the environment in mind. I hope you enjoy these sustainable indulgences as much as I’ve enjoyed making them for you. When you light a Milis candle, you can savour each moment knowing that they’ve been crafted without costing the planet. You can shop our range of candles here.

I couldn’t be more excited to share the launch of our newest 100% soy wax candle. Meet Déise, inspired by the beautiful Waterford landscape. The sunny southeast is home to me, so I am thrilled to share this special offering with the Waterford community.

The idea of Déise began as a result of conversations with Vinny and Aoibhinn from WLR’s breakfast show The Big Breakfast Blaa. They wanted to capture the essence of Waterford in a natural candle, so they tasked me with creating the scent of the county.

We announced the project on air and opened it up to the public to get ideas for the name and the scent. We got feedback from listeners, who sent in suggestions such as sea salt, gorse, and wildflowers. There were a few suggestions for blaa and rashers, but we thought it best to leave those off and stick to our landscape!

I went about mixing oils to see what would blend well. I have always loved the smell of the sea and had been inspired by my recent sea swims, so gorse and sea salt came to mind. Not many people are familiar with gorse’s role as the Irish coconut. It gives off lovely aromas of coconut and vanilla, which I thought would blend in well with the sea salt. I also wanted to incorporate the lovely Irish wildflowers, so we brought in the mountain wildflowers of the Comeragh mountain range.

I needed to find a way to get the scents of Waterford to work together. It took a few rounds of experimenting – I ended up making five different variations over the course of a few months to get the formula just right. I ended up choosing the third version as the final scent, with top notes of lemon, rosemary, coconut, mid notes of jasmine, honey, and sea salt, and base notes of leafy greens, geranium, amber and vanilla.

As I worked through the different blends, WLR’s Vinny and Aoibhinn came to visit the workshop to see how the formulation of the candle came together. It was great to have them involved throughout the whole process to really bring the spirit of Waterford to the product.

Once we found our perfect scent, it came time for a name, which was ultimately inspired by the Irish term Déise. The Déise were an Irish tribe who are believed to have explored and settled in the Waterford area between the 4th and 8th centuries. Now, Waterford is lovingly referred to as the Déise county. We thought the name really captured the spirit of the county.

For the candle’s packaging, I worked closely with my designer and we chose to pair our Waterford blue with ice white. We launched the candle in the beautiful Isabel’s Place in Dungarvan. Isabel’s is a beautiful shop committed to sharing the best of Irish craft and design with the community, focusing on products with a story and a commitment to sustainability. We couldn’t have found a more perfect place to launch the scent of Waterford than at Isabel’s.

Whether you live in Waterford, you grew up in Waterford and your journey has taken you elsewhere, or you’re simply visiting, my hope is that this candle will make you feel right at home. You can shop the candle here or in our Waterford stockists.

The Milis story comes from humble beginnings. I worked as a cancer care nurse for over 20 years and found that creating something with my hands was a lovely way to decompress at the end of a long day. Creating natural soy candles from my home in Ireland started as a hobby and became a passion that I’m delighted to share with the world.

As a mother of two boys, I knew I wanted to have more flexibility in my day. From there, the idea of starting my own business was born. I decided to take my passion for making homemade soy candles and turn it into a business venture. Now, I have more time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, such as sitting down for breakfast every morning with my sons. It’s even given them their own entrepreneurial spark, which I’m loving watching them develop.

Many candles currently on the market contain harmful ingredients, so I wanted to provide a natural alternative. My background in cancer nursing led me to create a formula for my candles that was nontoxic, vegan, and paraben free. I believe that lighting a candle at the end of a long day should never compromise your health, and it shouldn’t come at a cost to the environment either.

All Milis natural candles are made using natural, recyclable, re-usable, or ethically sourced materials. Whenever possible, I strive to source these locally. Our 100% natural soy wax candles are made with wicks from cotton and paper, essential oils and high-quality fragrance oils, and poured into reusable glass jars and bottles.

My hope is that these handmade soy candles bring a bit of indulgence into your daily life.  By bringing them into your home, you’re supporting a local business, shopping sustainably, and choosing to care for yourself by cherishing the little things.

As for my favourite scent, I don’t think I could choose just one! Sparkle has always had a special place in my heart – it’s inspired by my favourite tipple (prosecco, of course!) and is met with lovely notes of raspberry and vanilla. I believe in celebrating life’s pleasures no matter how big or small, so to me, this candle is all about joy.

The Milis impact goes beyond our candles. 5% of the profits from the Milis wholesale shop is donated to the Irish Cancer Society. I’ve worked with the Irish Cancer Society in the past and I saw the money donated going directly to research and cancer services, making a real difference to patients and families. When you see Milis candles out and about in our stockists, you can be assured that those purchases are bringing about a positive impact. 

Whether you’re purchasing a candle for yourself or gifting it to a loved one, I hope these candles bring as much joy to you as they do for me when I make them.

As I continue to grow this sustainable candle brand, I want to hear from you. What scents are you eager to have in your home? Message or leave a comment on Instagram to let me know!

With love,

Fiona

www.isabelsplace.ie

I first met Isabel at the Ballymaloe Fair in November 2019. I’d been making candles for a few months at that stage & was starting to think about how to get them out into the wild, as we say here at Milis HQ.

The fair was amazing and packed to the ceiling with home grown Irish businesses and I realised how much I wanted to be a part of that community. I met Isabel in the main exhibition hall (we had chatted a bit online so we kind of knew each other), she was so lovely & we clicked straight away. She told me she might have a premises opening in Waterford in early 2020, we were both generally very excited & hugged a lot.

I launched Milis in March 2020 when Isabel’s Place was also opening. A few days before the opening, I took a spin to Dungarvan with my mum and a box full of candles all ready for the shelves. Isabel’s Place was just perfect, as was Isabel. She was as excited as I was to have found my first stockist. We couldn’t hug this time though, as COVID-19 was just ramping up and ‘social distancing’ was the new buzz word.

A day or two later I was delighted to see the fabulous Milis display right in the centre of her shop and a few in the window too! I was thrilled and scared in equal measure, but then Isabel messaged to say my candles were one of the first to sell and I felt like it was all coming together.

Unfortunately, Isabel closed that Sunday because of Covid-19, having just been open for four days. It wasn’t long before Isabel had a beautiful website up and running. She truly is a champion for Irish creative businesses and craft. Milis was selling online at www.isabelsplace.ie and I’ve since sent more stock, so it’s all going well despite the difficulties.

Isabel has been such an inspiration to me, so enthusiastic, bubbly & talented, I feel blessed to have found her and she gave my new business a launch pad. Isabel has been great for me as a new women in business (I still can’t believe that’s true), because as time goes on I feel we can bounce ideas off one another and we’ve formed a lovely positive encouraging relationship which will benefit both our businesses!

If you haven’t already, check out Isabel’s Place, 63 Main St., Dungarvan, Co Waterford

or find her online at www.isabelsplace.ie

Here are some tips to help you look after your candle and ensure you have a long, clean burn.

-When you light your candle for the first time allow it to burn until the melted wax reaches the side of the glass jar, this creates a memory in the wax. This means that the next time you light your candle and every time after that it will burn to the edge, promising an even burn right until the end.

-Always keep your wick trimmed to 5mm, this just means breaking off the burnt end before lighting it again and remove any debris from the melt pool.

-Do not burn your candle for more than four hours at a time & be sure to burn it on a heat resistant surface.

-When you are extinguishing your candle try not to blow it out (blowing it moves the wick and blows debris into the melted wax), rather deprive it of oxygen using the jar cap or a snuffer.

-If your candle is flickering, smoking or has a large flame - extinguish it, trim the wick & relight.

-Keep your candle out of draughts & away from danger.