A floral enthusiast

interview

Flowers are one of life’s simplest pleasures, representing beauty in its purest, most flawless form. Few things have such broad and universal power as the language of flowers; for thousands of years, humans have used flowers to connect with nature.

Drawing on this, Rimple Thadani, a young floral enthusiast, specialising in candles with preserved flowers, combines her love for both floral arrangements and candles. Floral design, essentially, is the art of creating beautiful arrangements that convey meaning and emotion with flowers, leaves, ornaments, etc. Like any art, floral design requires the technical mastery of a sensitive creative who is able to combine the elements they are working with in a special way, which Rimple does with ease by combining her love for flowers in intricately designed candles.

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Sindh, an interior designer by profession, Rimple moved to Karachi to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. But her growing enthusiasm towards nature and flowers had other plans for her. “My passion for aesthetics and design has always been a driving force in my life, and it has naturally extended to my love for floral arrangements and the art of flower design,” shares Rimple. This is where the birth of her business ‘A Floral Enthusiast’ took place, a unique range of personalised candles which uses preserved flowers. She believes in using real flowers that are dried, pressed, and preserved in the candle jar rather than discarding them.

In a comprehensive conversation with You! she takes us through the delicate art of floral designing and shares her love for flowers and candles…

You! Can you tell us about your business?

Rimple Thadani: I create unique and visually appealing candles by incorporating carefully preserved flowers, which adds an extra layer of beauty and elegance to the design. In addition to candles, I offer a range of related products, all crafted with a focus on floral aesthetics.

You! Where did this love for flowers stem from?

RT: Interestingly, my name shares its name with a flower. This connection to the floral world has had a profound impact on me and has shaped my personality in many ways. The flower associated with my name symbolises spirituality and carries a sense of serenity and grace. The association with spirituality has also influenced my perspective on the beauty and interconnectedness of nature, which is reflected in my passion for floral arrangements and preserving their beauty.

You! Can you tell us about your zodiac series?

RT: The connection between zodiac signs, symbolic flowers, and scents added an extra layer of depth and meaning to the candles. Each zodiac sign is associated with a particular flower and has its own unique scent profile. Furthermore, the concept of zodiac signs holds a significant place in many people’s lives. By incorporating zodiac signs into my candle line, I could tap into this existing fascination and provide a more personalised experience for customers. The showcase of this collection in collaboration with ‘Kreate Your Mark’ by Khaadi has allowed me to showcase my candle series to a wider audience, further fuelling my passion as a candle and floral enthusiast.

You! What other products do you offer?

RT: In addition to my candle line, I also offer a variety of products to complement and expand my floral-themed offerings, such as a three-tier tray which is adorned with dried flowers, adding an elegant touch to any space. Other products include resin coasters, flower necklaces, clutches and edible floral desserts – all of which have the beauty and preservation of dried flowers incorporated in them. Each of these products aims to incorporate the natural charm of flowers and botanical elements into different aspects of daily life. They serve as unique and thoughtful gifts.

You! Are you currently working on something?

RT: I’m currently working on creating pillar candles in response to customer demand. Pillar candles offer a unique experience as they allow customers to directly feel the floral texture with their hands. I will also be launching a line of tote bags featuring floral designs.

Additionally, I’m also working on designing furniture pieces that incorporate real flowers and resin. By combining these elements, I can create visually stunning and artistic furniture that showcases the natural beauty of flowers. It’s a project that allows me to blend my passion for floral aesthetics with functional design.

You! How does it feel to have your own label and business at such a young age?

RT: Having your own label and business at a young age is an incredibly fulfilling experience. It fills you with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that you’ve built something from the ground up through your hard work and determination. The excitement and enthusiasm that comes with being in control of your own brand are unparalleled.

You! What is unique about your business?

RT: My business stands out by offering a unique combination of floral aesthetics and personalised experiences. I prioritise the use of natural materials. For my candles, I utilise 100 per cent natural soy wax, which provides a clean and sustainable burn. I also carefully select and preserve real flowers, maintaining their natural beauty and charm. These high-quality materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of my products but also contribute to their longevity.

You! What is your take on sustainability?

RT: Sustainability is a fundamental value that I prioritise in my business. To achieve this, I carefully source materials from sustainable and eco-friendly suppliers while also focusing on waste reduction and optimising material usage. I am conscious of the packaging choices I make, opting for recyclable materials to reduce unnecessary waste.

You! Do you practice or intend to practice interior designing?

RT: Currently, I am actively practicing interior design as part of my role at Ali Alam Design Studio. Working on a diverse range of projects, both commercial and residential, I have the opportunity to apply my skills and expertise in creating captivating and functional spaces.

You! How would you define success?

RT: For me, success is about believing in yourself and consistently moving forward with good intentions. If you can do that, I believe you are successful.

You! What does a typical day look like for you?

RT: It is like a roller coaster ride, filled with various responsibilities and pursuits. I begin by waking up and heading to my 9-5 job, where I dedicate my time and energy. After work, I make it a priority to hit the gym, focusing on my physical wellbeing. Once I return home, I prepare and cook my meals, ensuring I nourish myself with wholesome food. In the evenings, I dedicate some time to my business, and for my candle making passion, I set aside specific days during the week to indulge in this creative pursuit. On weekends. I make it a point to spend quality time with friends and family, often visiting Hyderabad to reconnect with my loved ones.

You! How do you take care of your mental wellbeing?

RT: Since I believe in the influence of zodiac signs, I find solace in meditating with my zodiac stone, amethyst, which provides me with a sense of grounding and relaxation. It’s essential for me to set aside dedicated ‘me’ time, even amidst a busy schedule, as it allows me to unwind and engage in activities that bring me joy. Additionally, when things become overwhelming, I find solace in travelling. Exploring new places offers me a change of scenery, new experiences, and the opportunity to relax and recharge.

You! Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

RT: Looking back at my early days, I realise that one thing I would have done differently is to maintain a more organised and comprehensive record of my finances. During those initial stages, I neglected this aspect. Currently, I diligently maintain a thorough record and perform monthly analysis. This shift has allowed me to make more informed decisions and better manage the financial aspects of my business.

You! What advice do you have for our readers?

RT: Remember, success is a marathon, so enjoy the scenic route and sprinkle it all with a healthy dose of laughter, curiosity, creativity, and audacity. Go forth, chase those dreams, and create your own success story!

The writer is a reporter and subeditor at You! Magazine, The News International. She can be reached at wallia_khairi@hotmail.com