ONE of the signature products for local brand Vase Creation is its scented candles, beautifully made in the shape of a rose, with a wick at its centre. Unlike the usual scented candles in glass containers, this one is aesthetically arresting.
And unlike mainstream candle brands that use parrafin or soya wax, its scented candles use beeswax. Beeswax is natural and is a non-toxic substance secreted from bees after consuming honey from flowers, which makes it more environmentally-friendly than paraffin and soya wax, which are often mixed with harmful chemicals and bleach.
Brand co-founder Lawrence Tan says his friend, co-founder Wendy Lean, had travelled to Kyushu, Japan, a few years ago and returned with a new skill to create this masterpiece, which is unfamiliar to the Southeast Asia market.
"By honing her technique, she has successfully created the Petal Bloom Rosoku, handcrafted from scratch, that stands out from its peers in all the good ways. It's made with only the best natural ingredients and aromatic essential oils with the best kind of wax," he says.
Lawrence has been helping Lean and another co-founder, Charlotte Tan, with the brand since 2018 and recently went on board full-time, after five years in the public relations industry.
Lawrence says the brand is trying to educate its consumers by providing them accurate and educational information on its website, vasestudio.com about the benefits and side effects of certain ingredients, to make them understand what they are consuming or applying on themselves.
"We believe consumers will appreciate accurate information as it'll help them make a decision on their purchase. As a brand, honesty and transparency are very important," he says.
SMALL BRAND
Lawrence says small, local brands can stand tall with the big players if they are confident with their products. "There is a growing demand for organic candles made of natural wax and this is positively influenced by the environmental and health perspectives.
"When it comes to advertising and media spend, smaller brands definitely cannot compete with big budget players but this landscape is changing. Social media and mobile search play a big role to level the playing field.
"Companies can no longer dominate brand perception using traditional methods, and people sharing their first hand experiences and opinions about brands on social media and review sites have much more influence than expensive advertising campaigns," he says.
Another notable product is the brand's Midnight Shikoku shower oil, infused with the aromatic scent of the yuzu fruit and green tea.
Lean says the Covid-19 pandemic and the stay home order have made people realise the importance of body care, as phrases like self-care become more important and a bath routine goes a long way.
"The Midnight Shikoku replenishes moisture on your skin while retaining moisture barrier as compared to regular soap and shower gel that strip natural oils from the skin, causing dryness," Charlotte says.
Lawrence says Vase Creation is revolutionising the industry with not only all-natural and safe products, but also educating consumers on ingredients.
"We practise high social responsibility by ensuring products are made from premium, natural ingredients through nature-friendly processes," he says.
Find scented candles at discounted prices by claiming Lazada Voucher Code.