My name is Umesh Shukla, I come from a background in graphic design, animation and special effects. I am also the founder and CCO of Auryn Inc. where I design storybook apps for children. Here at Thousand Oaks Candles, I sculpt, mold and make candles. My emphasis is on form and fragrance as I find that form in candles seem to have become the neglected child. Most of the candles I make are from pal
m wax (a renewable resource), but I also use beeswax and paraffin wax. I came to candle making purely by chance. While talking to a friend a while back, I was intrigued by the fact that making incense sticks was his hobby. Curious, I started to find out more about incense making and in the process came across a few websites about making candles. Being familiar with candles and realizing that I had something different to contribute in the field of candle making, I embarked on this exciting journey. Candles have changed drastically in their primary use since their invention. The first recorded evidence of candles point to the Roman era. Their primary use today is more for fragrance, and then for occasional use as mood lighting. Candles in their current incarnation don’t really fit well with modern day decor. Cylindrical pillars and old fashioned jars somehow don’t go as well with the shapes, lines and finishes of current day decor. With that in mind, I started to search for forms and colors that suited modern decor. It has been a few years since, and I love every minute I get to spend indulging in this waxy world.
