Having worked as a banker for 13 years in Rwanda, Emmanuel Uwimana felt it was about time to consider self-employment, and wanted to venture into something he was passionate about.

He resigned from his job in 2018, and after a few months, he started a business in hospitality and transportation.

"I felt a void, I knew I longed for something better, but I hadn’t discovered it—something interesting, beyond just a business,” he says.

Then one day, Uwimana came across a Bible scripture in Proverbs 27:9, which says, "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so does the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” The first part of the scripture drew his attention mostly, just knowing that a great scent can excite the heart. 

"I was eager to find out how I could pass on a fragrance to people to highlight their occasions, and the thought of scented candles went through my mind. I didn’t have any idea how they were made, but carried out some research on the internet. I discovered how scented candles boost mood, and how they are made, and I was sure this was something I could try,” he says.

Uwimana notes that he enrolled for an online course at a UK-based institute known as the Centre of Excellence, and pursued a diploma in the candle-making business in January 2021. He is still doing it as it has nine modules.

He says that since he yearned for practical training, he opted for another course in candle-making in Dubai for two weeks, to gain hands-on skills in the same year. While there, he made his first candle and has never looked back.

Behind the process of candle-making. 

When he returned to Rwanda, he continued practicing. In May 2021, he started a company "Kigali Candle house,” which manufactures and sells scented candles. 

The entrepreneur says that his candles are eco-friendly since they are made out of soy wax which is 100 per cent natural wax derived from vegetables known as soybeans. He then mixes fragrances such as rose lavender, cider, lime, and basil or uses one scent at a time, depending on clients’ orders. 

His candles are packaged in recycled glassware, in diverse colours. According to him, when he first introduced his business to the public, the candles didn’t sell as expected, since he noticed that most Rwandans didn’t know the essence of scented candles, apart from smelling sweet.

Some of his candles that come in different colours and flavours. 

"To my surprise, some of the people had the candles in their homes but used them for decoration as they left them for special occasions. I, therefore, started live videos on my Instagram platform where people would ask questions about scented candles, which I responded to. I was sure that as long as Rwandans didn’t know why they needed to buy scented candles, then my business was at risk of failing,” he says.

Some of the challenges that he encountered was starting a business during the pandemic, as most of the hotels he targeted to supply the candles to were not fully back to normal business, and had incurred losses caused by Covid-19.

However, as life gets back to normal, he has managed to sign contracts with different hotels and event organisers.

So far, Uwimana explains that his business is growing slowly, and what fills his heart with joy is doing something he enjoys and loves. 

The entrepreneur further adds that some people find candles expensive as one goes for Rwf 15,000, which he says, depending on the materials, and quality, is worth the price. However, he notes that the price can drop if clients bring their own containers. 

He also says that he imports all the raw materials like wax, fragrances, and cotton wicks from Europe and Asia, which is expensive.

Uwimana anticipates making his own raw materials and exporting to different countries. He also expects to establish a candle house for all kinds of candles, with diverse shapes and aromas, used for different purposes for various occasions.

"I also want to change from glass to clay containers or other materials that are unique to attract tourists,” he says.

To him, business has come with experience, continuous lessons, patience, challenges, customers, and most importantly, earnings.

The entrepreneur points out that burning scented candles can be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anger, and boost one’s morale. He urges placing the candles in the bedroom, sitting room, or bathroom, adding that scented candles also offer a romantic ambiance. 

"Scented candles can also stimulate memory, help to have a restful sleep and can be used for personal customs to perform reflection and relaxation. They are also used by massage therapists to create a tranquil ambiance in therapy rooms. If you have had a long stressful day, just light a scented candle, breathe for a few seconds, you will feel relaxed and better,” he says.  His candles can be bought online at Iwacu.rw.