The story of OALI
Meaningful work, ethical, social and ecological values, and a craft gesture thought through to the smallest detail.
A journey, a calling
OALI grew out of a simple wish: to combine meaningful work with ethical, social and ecological values. It started with cookery classes that we gave together as a couple. Then lockdown turned every plan upside down and opened new paths: soap, gift boxes, candles… until one idea became obvious.
Today, OALI embodies that journey, now continued solo, around one unique concept: blooming candles, designed to brighten everyday life and bring new life once the flame is out.
From kitchen to workshop
The first OALI candles were born in an intimate place: my own kitchen, in a home steeped in wax and fragrance, where every room, from the attic to the bedroom, served as a storeroom. Today, they are poured in our workshops in Belgium and France, with the same care as on day one.
I only use ingredients that respect health and the environment: a natural plant-based wax, fragrances from Grasse free from CMR substances and petroleum derivatives, and a cotton wick. Each pot is shaped by hand in a Moroccan cooperative, which makes every candle unique.
I do everything myself: pouring by hand, packing, shipping, the website, the labels, right down to direct contact with every customer. More than a fragrant object, an OALI candle is a craft gesture thought through to the smallest detail.
A candle that doesn't end with its flame
In a crowded candle world, the idea behind OALI came naturally: to create an object that doesn't end with its flame. Once the wax has burnt down, you simply plant the seed paper label directly in the ceramic pot.
With a little soil, water and patience, delicate wildflowers appear. This simple ritual extends the story of every candle: we don't throw away, we transform. Light gives way to life, and every candle carries the promise of a flower.
An act of respect
Making an OALI candle is also an act of respect. Respect for my health and that of my customers, their children, their pets. That is why I chose plant-based wax, fragrances free from toxic substances and natural cotton wicks.
I also stick to firm ecological choices: no plastic or polystyrene in the packaging, only recyclable cardboard, even if that sometimes means a breakage. And my candles don't travel to the other side of the world: they are only available in Europe and a few other countries.
Ethically, it matters to me that my partners are paid fairly. The pots are shaped in a Moroccan cooperative, where I refuse to push prices down to the limit, even though producing in China or India would cost me less.
Finally, I choose to stay true to the craft. I could industrialise, cut costs and produce faster. But I would rather keep pouring every candle myself, and keep the handmade gesture at the heart of OALI.
A shared adventure
Alongside this personal adventure, I was also lucky enough to create two collections with my sister Coline: the COCO collection, sunny and warm, inspired by summer and its gourmand scents, and the MAUI collection, modern and colourful, designed as an exotic breeze that makes summer freshness last all year round. Two different but complementary worlds.
Today, OALI candles can be found in many conscious shops in Belgium and France, chosen for values close to mine. Customer feedback is consistently positive: people love the quality of the fragrances and the poetry of the concept. No need for big words: it is the character of the project and word of mouth that naturally bring in new stockists.
