What is your business called and what does it do?

Ukiyo Candle Co. is a WOC-owned artisanal pure soy candle brand based in Mississauga, Ontario. We make candles and other wax products that are cruelty-free, non-toxic and sustainable.

What made you want to do this work?

I always loved scented candles and bought them every season from the big candle brands, but I used to get headaches every time I lit them for long. So I did my research and when I realized that their ingredients had hidden toxins, paraffin, and a lot of nasties, I knew I had to find an alternative. So I started learning how to make my own clean candles that are safe for everyone, including children and pets. What started as a passion project, developed into an obsession in no time!

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

With Ukiyo Candle Co., I set out to tackle a prevalent issue in the candle industry – the widespread use of paraffin wax and other harmful ingredients. My goal was to offer a solution. Ours is not just a candle; it’s a commitment to sustainability. Through meticulously crafted, hand-poured soy candles, we provide an eco-friendly alternative, creating a positive impact on both personal well-being and the health of our planet.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Eco-conscious consumers- those who prioritize sustainability & eco-friendly practices in their lifestyle.

Home decor enthusiasts, Yoga and wellness communities, event and wedding planners.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We sell our product in 3 ways- online through our website, artisan markets/ pop-ups and retail stores.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

We are based in Mississauga but we don’t have a physical store- our products can be shopped via ways mentioned above.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

“How is our product different from others in the same space?”

What sets us apart is that we hand-pour each of our candles in small batches which allows for better quality control over the production process, ensuring that each candle meets high-quality standards and also helps minimise waste. We are not just making a candle with clean ingredients, but also extending eco-friendly practices beyond production- to the choice of vessels (reusable), minimal packaging, no plastic bubble wraps, jute/ cloth bags, business cards and postcards printed in linen paper and so on.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is knowing that we’re contributing to living sustainably. I love to see our customers embrace eco-conscious choices. I love everything about the whole process of candle making- right from the ideation stage to selling it, so there isn’t anything that I dislike. Maybe the prep work, especially putting labels on the vessels can be very mundane and sourcing sustainable materials consistently can be challenging at times but our commitment to clean candle-making remains unwavering.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

Why did the candle become a comedian- because it had a ‘wick’-ed sense of humour 😀 sounds lame!

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Website

You can sign up on our website to get 15% off on your first purchase.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

The Siberian Spa

The post Homegrown Business: Paramita Bhattacharya of Ukiyo Candle Co. appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Whether you’re a “handy” person or not, if you’re in the market for some design inspiration, you should definitely know about the Toronto-based web series from the Coral Channel, Buy or DIY. The premise is simple yet captivating: A home upgrade-seeking Toronto personality challenges both decor expert and shopper Alexandra Gater and DIY guru Dani Berger to produce a piece or pieces to complete a space – whether this involves a wall backdrop, a balcony bench, or a conversation-provoking coffee table. After browsing and comparing, Alexandra buys the piece, while Dani builds it herself – both maintaining the same budget restrictions – and the surprise guest decides whose stays. 

A new coffee table was exactly what our Toronto Guardian CEO and editor-in-chief Joel Levy needed to complete his newly remodelled living room after having used it as a home office for years. With a $300.00 budget, he was looking for a coffee table that would “tie together” the recent additions to the space, becoming a focal point of the room. He had just a few requirements: It needed to be wood and have live edges. Both Alexandra and Grater agreed that it also needed to let as much light in as possible as to not weigh down the already small(ish) space. 

Throughout the roughly 12-minute episode, viewers are taken along with Alexandra on her shopping journey – which takes her through attainable home stores like Home Sense – and through the creative DIY practice of Dani at her worktable. The end decision was a tough one for Joel, who ultimately decided on Alexandra’s store-bought version ($325, for the table and a select few accessories), whose colouring tied in the grey of his furniture and whose hairpin legs allowed as much light as possible at the bottom. That’s not to say Dani’s impressive piece wasn’t a great fit as well. The one-of-a-kind table offered an industrial look, complete with live-edge sides and plank iron pipe legs that made for inevitable talking points. 

In addition to design inspiration, the show also offers entertainment value in the candid interactions of both Alexandra and Dani. Not only are both women captivating on camera – thanks, in part, to ample experience – they definitely excel in both their crafts and efficiency. 

In general, the show is worth the three to 14 minutes out of your day because it’s approachable, digestible, and – best of all – in a city of sky-high living costs, is completely attainable.  

The post New Home Decor Series You Need to Watch Before You Remodel appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Our business is called The Urban Palette Inc. We are an affordably priced painting company that focuses on client satisfaction, and high quality finishes. We also stain, repair minor and major drywall problems, and spray cabinets. We also provide free colour consulting upon approval of quotes. (quotes are always free!) Unlike other painting companies we only charge contractor pricing on paint which saves our clients quite a bit of money. We offer a friendly professional service from start to finish.

What made you start this business?

The Urban Palette Inc. started as a mural painting business that branched off into commercial, home interior, and exterior painting. We branched off into this area as there is a need for quality workmanship in this trade. We really love the interaction of working with our clients and this gives us more of an opportunity to do so.

What problem does this solve?

Too often we hear of clients paying a lot of their hard earned money to painting companies that promise to provide top notch service and workmanship. Unfortunately we get many calls from those same people to come fix the poor quality of work that was done. It’s frustrating to say the least to hear this, so we really strive to maintain client satisfaction.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Everyone! We always provide competitive prices without compromising the quality of our work. Painting can be very costly if not done properly and in a timely manner. We understand the importance of this. Coming from a 3rd generation of painters we know the importance of treating your home with the dignity and respect it deserves. Whether that be a humble little bungalow or a larger scale custom home. Everybody gets treated equally. A home is a home no matter what the size or market value it has.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

The Urban Palette designs their quotes based on a labor scale system and how long the project will take. We give you a rough cost on paint in the initial quote and then on the final invoice where we are able to show you your savings from our exclusive contractor pricing! You pay what we pay, we don’t profit from materials needed. Colour consulting can be VERY expensive. We offer this service free of charge upon approval of contract.

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?

You can find us online www.theurbanpalette.com, Instagram, facebook, www.homestars.com (where you can check out our reviews) Neighbours of the Bloor West community magazine, Meet The Elite magazine. We also work all over the GTA!

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?

The best question a client could ask us is if there are any hidden costs. NO there are no hidden costs. Every step of the process from providing the initial quote, to the final walkthrough of project is completely transparent. Everything is stated clearly in our quotes. So, there are no surprises when the final invoice is shown.

What is the best part of what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part of what we do hands down is seeing the happiness from clients moving into their first family home all freshly painted, or brightening up and modernizing an older home for an elderly couple. It’s so exciting and satisfying for us to experience that moment with them! It’s a big deal and we want it to count.

The worst part would have to be seeing a poorly executed project that we’ve been asked to fix after the client has spent so much money. It’s wrenching. The cost of living in Toronto is expensive as is. We know the struggle first hand as a smaller business. Our hearts really go out to them. But we are happy we can help!

What is your favourite jokes about your own profession?

Our favourites are

“let me consult with the boss” -on the wife calling the shots on wall colours

Or

“I guess you’ll need stilts to paint those baseboards!”

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Toronto business you love?

We definitely love the Toronto Guardian! (thanks Joel) All the local businesses, artists, events, and culture they cover is so important for the communities in Toronto! We also would like to shout out to The wholesome Canine at 2096 Dundas st. West. They are such a pleasure to visit and buy our raw dog food from, and they truly care about their clients and the health of our furry friends!

To get in touch with The Urban Palette for your commercial or residential painting, visit their website.

The post Commercial and residential painting with The Urban Palette appeared first on Toronto Guardian.