SCENTS & SENSIBILITY
With candles enjoying their limelight as a token of comfort whilst we coop up indoors, Julie Yip and her artisanal collection of candles at Lilin + Co have celebrated a wave of success, amidst the circumstances.
“Throughout the pandemic and MCO, Lilin+Co experienced a tremendous growth which came as a surprise to us as well.” Julie jubilantly expresses. “We did not expect the huge demand for candles which many people considered an essential during the lockdown period to stay sane and comfortable at home.” But having said that, other obstacles we’re made present. “The pandemic also brought upon a new set of challenges as we continue to face supply disruption happening across the globe. Though demand has increased, production supplies are delayed, and raw material prices have surged. This has forced us to plan further ahead, react swiftly and prepare as much as we can for any possible challenges.”
Despite the circumstances, 2020 still saw plenty of victories for Lilin + Co. “Besides growing our customer database and online sales, we've been very blessed to receive many collaboration opportunities from numerous brands. I especially love our Christmas cocktail collaboration we did with The Ruma Hotel and award-winning bartender Shawn Chong back in December 2020. We had the idea to create a festive cocktail menu inspired by our candle scents”.
Internal growth took place as well, with Lilin + Co taking many steps forwards to a more sustainable business practice. “We also strive to be an eco-conscious company with sustainable practices in place and 2020 was the year we successfully managed to make the switch from plastic bubble wrap to an environmentally friendly paper based wrapping alternative in all our delivery parcels.”
Dreaming of elevating the sensorial experience of Lilin + Co, Julie teases that she wishes to launch her very own experimental space this year. “The new space will feature a retail showcase, production space and possibly a small event space in future. Though our focus has been mostly online in 2020 because of the pandemic, I truly believe there is demand for a new physical sensory space which will in turn inspire our audience with a new lifestyle offering.”