From an Idea to Seven Flames
Our Journey
Every journey begins somewhere. For Beacon by the Bay, it began with a question: “What can I do?” I didn’t have a big organisation, a large budget, or all the answers — I had an idea, and I decided to start.
01 · The Idea
A Small Idea, A Big Hope
I began exploring how a practical skill could become more than just a skill. I chose candle making because it could be learned, practised and eventually turned into a product that could be sold.
But before I could teach anyone else, I had to learn myself.
02 · Learning
Learning the Craft
My aunt, Adreena, became an important part of this journey. She had previously worked with resin, but she took the time to learn candle making herself and then taught me the skill.
I learned about wax, temperatures, colours, wicks, moulds and finishing. And I quickly discovered that making a good candle isn't as simple as it looks!
“Before I could teach, I had to learn.”
03 · Training
Seven Women. One Goal.
Once we were ready, we began training the women. The training was hands-on and involved hours of practice — wax temperature, wick placement, colour mixing, moulding, finishing and product quality.
Every woman learned at her own pace.
“Learning. Trying. Growing.”
04 · Early Struggles
The Beginning Wasn't Perfect
Our first weeks came with plenty of challenges. Some colours were wasted. Some candles didn't turn out correctly. Wick placement was difficult. Understanding temperatures took practice. Not everyone was equally committed at the beginning.
But we didn't give up. By the second and third weeks, the women who stayed committed were becoming more confident and productive.
“The mistakes were frustrating, but they were also proof that we were learning.”
05 · Breakthrough
Our First Successful Candles
Then came a moment that made everything feel real. We began creating candles that we were genuinely proud of. What had started as an idea was becoming a skill, then a product, then a possibility.
“Our first little lights.”
06 · Building
From Making to Building
Beacon by the Bay slowly became more than training. We began thinking about products, packaging, branding, sales and sustainability.
Adreena became deeply involved in the process, helping with training, packing, brainstorming and product development. And I began learning what it really means to build a project.
07 · Reflection
What I Have Learned
I learned that creating impact isn't about having everything figured out from the beginning. It is about starting, listening, learning, failing, improving and continuing.
The women taught me that progress doesn't always happen quickly. And this project taught me that leadership isn't about doing everything yourself — it is about bringing people together and helping an idea grow.
08 · The Future
Where We Go From Here
We are starting with seven women. We are starting with candles. We are starting small. But our dream is to continue developing the products, create more opportunities, and eventually reach more women.
Beacon by the Bay is still growing. And this is only the beginning.
“More women. More lights. A brighter future.”
🕯️ We are not just making candles.
We are creating opportunities, one light at a time.
Now that you know our story, meet the candles these women make.
See Our Candles →