Amusé
About the Company
A:musé Candles was founded in January 2022 by Eva Maganja and Urban Bradesko in Ljubljana, Slovenia. They use locally sourced beeswax and soy wax for their candles, supporting local beekeepers and promoting eco-friendly products. For each candle sold, they plant a tree, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability. Their candles, featuring high-grade scents, are designed to provide an immersive, multi-sensory experience for customers.
Their business operates on a sustainable model, focusing on natural, eco-friendly materials. Eva and Urban's passion for art and design is evident in every aspect of their products, from packaging to scent. Despite being a small team, their dedication to excellence sets them apart in the candle-making industry.
Idea Behind Company
Eva's background in design and love for fragrances led to the creation of a:musé. After experiencing a coughing fit from a paraffin wax candle, she sought a better alternative and discovered beeswax. Beeswax is natural, non-toxic, sustainable, and non-allergenic, emitting negative ions that purify the air. Disappointed by the lack of aesthetic beeswax candles, Eva decided to start her own company.
Living in Slovenia, she found an abundance of local beekeepers with surplus beeswax. Teaming up with them allowed her to source beeswax locally while ensuring the bees were well cared for. Eva's vision was to create aesthetically pleasing candles using natural beeswax, combining her love for art and sustainability.
Creating the Company
Eva and Urban, both technically inclined, teamed up with Gašper Premože to design the candle vessels. After several failed 3D prints, they perfected the design and created silicon molds. They chose ceramic for the vessels and wooden wicks for a natural crackling sound. Their ten prototypes received positive feedback from friends and family.
Finding custom packaging was challenging due to their low order quantity, but a local company in Slovenia eventually helped them. Eva designed recyclable, sustainable packaging within their budget. Their commitment to testing and failing fast allowed them to improve their product quickly, creating a luxury candle line they were proud of.
Launching the Business
Eva and Urban handled every aspect of the business themselves, from product testing to marketing. They wanted a high-fashion feel for their brand, choosing classic black and white colors and the name "amuse." Initially using EditorX for their website, they switched to Webflow for more flexibility. Despite limited resources, they launched a:musé with a 3D printer and resin material for mock-ups.
Their passion for design and sustainability drove them to create luxury candles that offered an art-like experience. They embraced failure as a learning opportunity, constantly iterating and improving their product. Their hard work and dedication led to a successful business launch, with positive customer feedback and growing demand.
Earnings
A:musé generates $8,000 per month primarily through their online store. They gained customers through word of mouth and social media, leveraging Urban's photography skills. Collaborations with influencers and brands, such as Philips, helped increase their reach. They have partnerships with European online retailers and are exploring collaborations with other companies.
Future plans include expanding their product line to body care and perfumes, creating a complete sensory experience. They aim to open physical stores in the USA and Asia, providing an immersive and artistic experience for customers. Eva and Urban are committed to sustainability, luxury, and artistry, excited about the future growth of a:musé.
