WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
We’re a sister duo living in South Carolina and both own our own businesses (Sebastian Harper – Shanika and KiRoKa Essentials – Susane). Kiroka Essentials creates soy-based candles and wax melts. We have your body and home covered! 

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS?
My process starts with choosing unique candle containers and fragrances,  melting the soy wax, adding the fragrance(s), and allowing the candle to cure to achieve optimum scent and candle quality. 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My Family – Our children are such an inspiration to us that we created our businesses names around their names.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
We’re Army Brats! 

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
Making candles gives me my “me time” to de-stress and just sing and dance while I’m stirring and pouring. Also, it is very gratifying to see others enjoy the scents I’ve created and appreciate the hard work that has gone into each candle. 

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Just start. Work with what you have. Don’t wait until things are perfect. Labeling, fonts, packaging, booths displays, that can all be tweaked along the way. We look back at the beginning and cringe (lol!). Also, stay consistent! Do events. Meet folks in person. Online is great but there is nothing like in-person interaction. Customers love to hear your story!