In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Colina Bruce, the founder of Noir Lux Candle Co., to discuss the art of candle-making, the importance of small businesses, and how her unique candle bar is fostering community connections in Seattle.

Colina launched Noir Lux Candle Co. as a passion project during the pandemic, initially pouring candles during her lunch breaks while working at Seattle University. What began as a side hustle quickly transformed into something much larger; within two years, Colina opened Washington state’s first Black-owned female-led candle bar, a brick-and-mortar studio, and apothecary specializing in hand-poured, non-toxic candles that evoke nostalgia and cultural richness. 

“It was supposed to be just a passion project,” Colina shared, reflecting on her journey from an educator to a business owner.

At Noir Lux Candle Co., customers are invited to craft their own custom candles, a unique experience that has made the shop a community hub. Colina emphasized the joy of seeing diverse groups—young and old, individuals and families—come together to explore this creative process. “We see people who are just looking for something fun to do, whether it's a girls' night, a date night, or even a corporate team-building event,” she explained.

Colina guides participants through a welcoming and engaging candle-making process, emphasizing the significance of creating a safe space for everyone. Customers start by choosing their vessel and selecting fragrances from a curated collection of over 100 options, ultimately blending their unique scents. This hands-on experience allows attendees to engage in self-care while fostering connections with others in the space.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of supporting small businesses, especially during challenging economic times. Colina encouraged listeners to consider how they can support local enterprises—whether through direct spending, sharing experiences, or promoting businesses within their networks.

 “If you can’t spend right now, even reposting a story or referring a business is a way to invest in that small business, which ultimately supports your community,” she stated.

Colina’s innovative approach extends beyond the candle bar, as she has collaborated with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Uber to offer mobile candle-making sessions for team-building events. These corporate workshops provide a relaxed environment for colleagues to connect on a personal level, often revealing unexpected commonalities among team members.

For more information about Noir Lux Candle Co., visit their website or follow them on Instagram at@noirluxcandleco.

To see more guests like Colina, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.