The CandleStart Series – 004

Featuring founder of QAMAR WA SHAMS (Moons & Suns) – @qamarwashams

Raya is crazy about coloring & bedazzling candles. Also her candles givesback to NGO’s. Find out what inspired her & how she catapulted her brand QAMAR WA SHAMS using Instagram.

Can you give us some insight into your background; how did you first become interested in candle making?

Qamar Wa Shams products are inspired by my own spiritual experiences. Inner child healing reminded me of an excited 11 year old girl who made candles. I decided to honor my inner child and give candle making a chance!

We love the brand name “Qamar Wa Shams” – How did you come up with this name?

I believe we are all full of divine light that is both feminine & masculine when we are in balance. This inspired me to call my business Qamar Wa Shams to reflect my intention to help people center themselves and embrace both energies and alchemize them into one.

We also love the fact your candles give back to the community, could you tell us a little more about this?

Yes! We made candles to help support our brothers & sisters in Palestine by giving all proceeds to NGOs that align with our intention. I also intend to create candles for mental health awareness in the future.

In your candle collection, do you have a signature scent?

Champaka has been a best seller for over a year. People just love the scent of musk and powder that holds the scent together. This scent -like all of our scents- is multidimensional and has hints of champaka, jasmine & ozone to name a few.

How has the pandemic affected the way you operate?

When covid first hit we lost the ability to receive raw materials as well as cater to our clients. This however was temporary and thankfully things are slowly getting back to normal. When I couldn’t make candles because of wax & fragrant oil shortages I was reminded of my passion for candle making.

What’s the best part about creating your products and what are your two favorite candle making products/tools?

I love the first steps of concept curation, branding products & creating prototypes, it makes my inner child excited! I always push myself to create products that do not exist in the MENA region. Candle dye and glitter are my favorite tools which makes sense since little Raya is crazy about coloring & bedazzling candles.

Is Instagram the most effective social media platform for you, and why?

Yes, I can create cohesive grids, stories, reels & IGTV, also clients can easily feel our vibe online

What do you want to learn more about?

I am currently in a business accelerator program that is helping me learn business principles which otherwise I would find challenging to learn.

Do you have any other advice or tips for beginner or aspiring candle makers?

Yes! Be creative, do your research and be authentic in your work! No one can do what you do.

What do you love the most about running your own candle business?

I am a very strict boss but can be a lazy employee haha it gives me the flexibility to honor my mental wellbeing. I like to embrace both yin & yang energies depending on the day, some days I want to produce and make candles and other days I go inward and just be.

Find Raya Khatib and QAMAR WA SHAMS: Instagram

#glamaccents #candlestart #dubai #dubaicandles #waxmelts

Want to see your small business story featured on our site?

We’re eager to share empowering stories that will inspire other candle makers to grow their ideas into successful businesses.

Shoot a brief email to candlestart team introducing yourself and your candle business. Your story might be the next one we feature on the website!