from hobby to hustle: bianca of alumi candle
What if a simple hobby—something you picked up just for fun—ended up changing your life? That’s exactly what happened to Bianca, the founder of Alumi Candle, a minimalist, elegant candle brand inspired by meaningful moments and the magic of scent.
It all started during the pandemic with a few homemade candles and a dream she didn’t even know she had. Fast forward to her 2022 wedding, where 50 yogurt jars became handcrafted wedding favors, and the spark was undeniable. Candle making wasn’t just a quarantine pastime—it was a calling.
What began in her kitchen soon spilled into her guest room, then grew into a full-on home studio (with no signs of slowing down). In this blog, Bianca shares the heartfelt, behind-the-scenes story of how Alumi came to life—through passion, persistence, and a whole lot of wax. Whether you're a fellow maker, dreamer, or just love a good origin story, this one’s for you.
"There were times I doubted myself, but I never considered giving up—Every launch is an opportunity to bring something fresh and unique, and I’ve learned that consistency and trust in the process are everything."
how it all began
"During the pandemic, I, Bianca, found myself craving a creative outlet—and candle-making unexpectedly answered the call. It started as something fun, something I didn’t take too seriously. That is, until my wedding in 2022.
In the most me way possible, I had my husband eat over 50 yogurt jars (yes, really) just so I could repurpose them into handmade candles for our wedding favors. That’s when the spark turned into a steady flame—I realized how much I truly loved the entire process."
the great candle takeover
"What began on my kitchen counter quickly spilled over into the guest bedroom. Before long, my home had its very own candle studio. (Spoiler alert: I’m already thinking about needing even more space.)
At first, I launched under the name Goats & Oaks, still unsure of what this venture might become. But I kept pouring—both wax and energy—into learning, testing, and creating. In July 2023, everything came together with a new name and renewed clarity: Alumi.
The name Alumi is inspired by the Portuguese word "alumiar", meaning to softly illuminate. It’s the perfect reflection of what I strive to create—candles that bring calm, elegance, and subtle beauty into people’s spaces. With each blend, I aim to create something sensory, special, and uniquely us."
now stocking alumi IRL
"Since launching, I’ve shipped Alumi candles to customers all across the country—but this year brought a major new milestone: expanding locally. Alumi is now stocked in two retail stores in Connecticut, and our wholesale orders are growing steadily.
With every launch, I try to bring something new to the table—whether it’s a fresh scent profile, a new design element, or a unique story behind the candle. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? Consistency and trust in the process are everything."
from pour to post
"At the beginning of 2025, I made a choice that felt vulnerable but exciting: I started sharing more of the behind-the-scenes of Alumi. From silly moments in the studio to the process of blending and pouring, I wanted people to see what really goes into each candle.
Turns out, it was one of the best moves I’ve made. Not only has our social media following grown, but so have our engagement and sales. People connect with the heart behind the brand, and I’ve realized that inviting them into the process helps them feel part of the journey."
advice for new makers
"If you’re just getting started on your own maker journey—whether it's candles or something totally different—here’s what I’d share from my experience:
Start before you're ready. I didn’t have a perfect plan when I launched Goats & Oaks, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to start creating and let the clarity come with time.
Test, test, and test again. Every scent I’ve created has been through rounds of tweaking, pouring, and testing. It’s all part of the process—and it makes the end result so much more rewarding.
Trust your evolution. Rebranding to Alumi was a big decision, but it felt right. Don’t be afraid to grow, change, and refine your vision as you go.
Let people in. Showing the behind-the-scenes of your work, even the messy or silly parts, helps people connect with your brand in a real way.
Take breaks—but don’t quit. There were times I needed to step back, breathe, and reset—but I never let go of the bigger picture. Give yourself grace, but don’t give up.
Every maker’s path is different, but passion, patience, and persistence will always take you further than you think. You’ve got this."
the power of passion, patience, and persistence
"This journey has been anything but linear. There have been moments of doubt—days where things didn’t go to plan or where I questioned if I was doing it “right.” But I never seriously considered giving up. Instead, I gave myself permission to pause, to rest, and to come back stronger.
From a pandemic hobby to a growing candle brand, building Alumi has taught me so much about creativity, resilience, and the power of showing up for your dream—even when it feels far away.
And the most exciting part?
I’m just getting started."
You can keep up with Bianca & Alumi Candle on instagram or via her website!
