Handmade Decorated Candles by Artisan Arti Kothari from Rajkot, Gujarat

Personal Details

Hi! I am Arti Kothari and I manufacture decorated candles. I was born in Rajkot, Gujarat.

Decorated Candles Making Skills

Once, I came to know that Bollywood star Dimple Kapadia makes wax candles and has also opened a store in Mumbai to sell them. I was inspired by this and decided to make candles too.

I watched various YouTube videos and learned to make candles for 2 to 4 years. I practiced quite a lot at home but could not get the right finishing. So I decided to join a hobby class in Borivali, Mumbai to learn about the right raw material for good finishing in my candles. There I came to know about the right dealers for the procurement of raw materials. After learning from there I again practiced a lot for three to four months. At last, I gained perfection in making candles.

Now, making it more creative, I also use rose petals, dried leaves in it. After some time I decided to show my products to family, friends, relatives and got great appreciation from everyone. So slowly, I started attending exhibitions to make the people of Rajkot aware of this art.

Decorated Candles Making Process

I buy raw materials from dealers in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. I do not make candles in summer until June, instead, I start making from monsoon to spring season. It is best made during winter. Gel candles are made only 4 to 5 days in advance, as they are very soft and are easily influenced by the climate. I make these candles using dye, paraffin wax, soy wax, gel wax, soft wax, viber (ingredient for hardening), fragrance oil, wick, wine glasses (to add more creativity), and other glass containers.

Specialization

My expertise is in making pillar candles, paraffin wax and soy wax candles, tea lights, and decorative glass candles.

Experience in Making Decorated Candles

With my passion for making candles and adding my creativity to it, I have completed 4 years in this field.

Participation in Exhibitions

I have participated in some private exhibitions organized by Fashion Mantra in Gujarat.

Training Programmes Conducted

I have always tried to train others, but in Rajkot, people do not have so much awareness about the art of candle making.

Future Plans

In the future, I would like to make more creative candles. I also want to make multi-layered candles with carving work.