"Finding Harmony" (FAQ)

"Finding Harmony" (調和を見つける - Chōwa wo Mitsukeru)

At Nagomi Candles, we're about harmony and tranquility in everyday living. As you start your Nagomi journey with our artisanal candles, you may have questions about our products, philosophy, or other ways we do things. This page should help outline some of the most frequently asked questions with clear, helpful answers.

From the know-how of our exclusive fragrance collections to how to get the most out of Nagomi Candles, this section has more information that will enhance your experience. If you can't find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact our committed customer service team for further assistance.

Let the gentle glow of knowledge illuminate your path to a more harmonious living space.

Company & Philosophy:

• What is Nagomi Candles?▼

Nagomi Candles is a lifestyle brand inspired by the Japanese concept of harmony and balance. Our journey began with a vision to create moments of tranquility in today's busy world, drawing inspiration from our founder's deep family connections to Japanese culture.

• What does Nagomi mean?▼

Nagomi (和み) is a Japanese concept that personifies the art of finding harmony and balance in life. The term emanates from the verb 'nagomu' (和む), meaning 'to soften' or 'become calm.' At its very root lies ancient Japanese wisdom; Nagomi is more than tranquility-just perfect moments of balance where peace and energy coexist.
We chose this name at Nagomi Candles because it reflects our mission to help you find moments of harmony in your daily life. Each of our candles is created to remind you of this principle, which provides a bridge between the busy modern world and timeless wisdom in finding balance through mindful moments.
Like the meaning of the written character 和-wa, which is harmony and peace, our candles help you to create your peaceful sanctuary anywhere.

• Why were you inspired by Japanese culture?▼

The connection to Japanese culture is deep and personal. Our founder's grandfather spent his formative years in Japan, attending high school there and immersing himself in the culture, bringing back the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions and values to share with his family. This was deepened through her mother, born in Japan.
Growing up with such influences, the Japanese way of life was always there, influencing the subtle ways of looking at life and living it day to day. When this company sought a way to bring in moments of peace into busy modern lives, the Japanese concept of Nagomi-finding harmony and balance-seemed almost an extension of that heritage.
It was from this very personal blend of history and cultural insight that Nagomi Candles were born. Every candle we make represents a crossing between cultures: traditional Japanese notions of harmony meet the demands of contemporary lifestyles. This is the marriage of heritage and modern life, enabling us to offer something really quite unique-a pathway to tranquility rooted in generations of Japanese wisdom.

• What makes Nagomi Candles different from other candle companies?▼

Nagomi Candles stands apart through our unique fusion of Japanese principles and artisanal candle crafting. We are not like any other fragrance company; we are not just making fragrances; we create experiences based on a sense of harmony and balance. Each candle in our collections is thoughtfully created with a purpose, building on the traditional wisdom from Japan to answer the needs of our modern times. Our eight unique collections each support different aspects of the Nagomi way-from tranquility and energy boost to creating space for meditation. We differentiate through:
• Premium, eco-friendly ingredients, such as natural waxes and essential oils
• Scent profiles carefully crafted to support specific aspects of well-being
• A deep connection with traditional Japanese cultural wisdom and principles
• A mindful crafting process respectful of both tradition and innovation
• An educational approach: to understand and follow the Nagomi way.
At Nagomi Candles, we're more than just a candle company- we're a lifestyle brand committed to helping you find moments of harmony in your daily life, one gentle flicker at a time.

• Where are your candles made?▼

Our candles are individually hand-crafted in Longmont Colorado. The address is:
Nagomi Candles 1341-B Sherman Drive
Longmont, Colorado 80501

• Are you a woman-owned business?▼

Yes, Nagomi, LLC is a woman-owned family business. Our founder, Caitlyn, enlisted the aid of her mother, Barbara, to bring Nagomi to life. We are privately funded and registered in Colorado USA.

 

Product General:

• What types of wax do you use in your candles?▼

At Nagomi Candles, we are focused on making active choices with the ingredients that go into every candle to achieve the most harmonious balance of sustainability and performance. Our candles are made from a premium blend of coconut and apricot wax, chosen not only for superior burning properties but also for their special connection with nature's wisdom. This unique combination offers the following benefits: Clean, even burning that releases no noxious fumes into your air; Excellent scent throw that gently fills your space. We source materials in a sustainable manner, respecting our environment. It burns longer to prolong serene moments in your life. Coconut wax is noted for its cleanliness of burn and sustainability. Beeswax adds not only an element of luxurious texture but also an increase in fragrance diffusion. Beeswax also has air purifying characteristics. Used together, they strike the perfect balance between performance and eco-friendliness, featuring environmental harmony and your well-being, which we are committed to. With these natural waxes, we ensure that all the moments of peace and times for reflection are genuinely pure and in step with nature. Learn more about wax types here.

• What type of wicks do you use?▼

We use only 100% clean burning cotton wicks or FSC-certified wood wicks. We never use lead or other inserts in our wicks.

At Nagomi Candles, we select our wicks with the same mindfulness that guides all our creations. We use the artfully crafted Helix Wick series, which harmoniously braids two cotton strands together, creating a balanced system that honors both the fragrance and the flame.

These thoughtfully engineered wicks feature a paper core reinforcement, allowing them to create the perfect melt pool even with our richly scented wax blends. Just as the Japanese concept of balance requires both strength and flexibility, our Helix wicks provide both stability and adaptability, ensuring a clean, even burn that enhances your tranquil experience with every lighting.

• Are your candles eco-friendly?

Yes, at Nagomi Candles, our philosophy is based on environmental harmony. There can only be real tranquility with balance in nature; therefore, every detail regarding our candles was made with full awareness of the environment. Our eco-friendly commitment includes:

• The finest blend of sustainable coconut and apricot wax
• Pure, clean fragrance derived from natural essential oils
• Clean-burning wicks that emit no harmful substances
• Thoughtfully designed containers that can be repurposed or recycled
• Mindful packaging choices that minimize environmental impact

We source our ingredients with care, choosing only those that meet both our high standards for quality and our commitment to environmental stewardship. Just as the concept of Nagomi emphasizes harmony in life, so too do we strive to create products that exist in harmony with our planet. With every Nagomi candle, you are creating a haven for calmness in your home and becoming a part of the betterment of our ecological environment..

• How are your fragrances created?▼

Every Nagomi fragrance is thoughtfully composed to create an experience honoring both nature and tradition. Our process in the creation of fragrance involves intention; we know how each fragrance will support this multifaceted Nagomi way-from energizing vitality to calming serenity. We work with professional perfumers that respect high standards and natural ingredients. Our fragrances are designed by:

• Selecting premium essential oils and natural aromatic compounds.
• Hearty balancing of top, heart, and base notes to round out the sensory experience.
• Extensive testing to assure the perfect harmony with our coconut-apricot wax blend.
•The creation of unique scent profiles to support particular aspects of Nagomi.

The story of each fragrance is told in three stages:

• Top notes that invite your senses with an opening impression
• Heart notes that uncover the true personality of the fragrance
• Base notes that leave a lasting foundation

Each of our eight collections represents one of the many facets of Nagomi's philosophy, and fragrances are crafted considering how they will support these principles. From the refreshing citrus notes in our Katsuryoku collection to the calming elements present in our line of Seijaku, each scent is intentionally composed to lift your path toward harmony and balance.

• What are the different collections you offer?▼

We offer eight different collections reflecting different aspects of the Nagomi lifestyle. Details of these collections can be found here.

• Do you use natural or synthetic fragrances?▼

At Nagomi Candles, we create our fragrances using a harmonious blend of natural essential oils and safe, high-quality aromatic compounds. This balanced approach allows us to craft complex, long-lasting scents that remain true to nature while ensuring consistent quality and performance in our candles. All our fragrances are phthalate-free and carefully selected to align with our commitment to both product excellence and your well-being.

• What makes Nagomi Candles a premium product?▼

At Nagomi Candles, we believe in the art of mindful creation. With every candle, we invest in quality, sustainability, and purpose. Our proprietary coconut-apricot wax blend, natural essential oils, and carefully crafted fragrances come together to create a sensory experience that transcends just scenting your space. By choosing a Nagomi candle, you open yourself to:

• Superior quality burn for longer hours of enjoyment
• Clean, sustainable ingredients that respect both you and the environment.
• Cautiously crafted fragrances for your well-being.
• Handcrafted in small batches to maintain high quality.
• More connection with the philosophy of balance and harmony.

Every Nagomi candle is crafted with intention, offering not just light and fragrance, but an invitation to transform your daily moments into experiences of tranquility and purpose.

• How long do your candles burn?

Depending on conditions and care, our candles will burn for between 4 and 4½ hours per ounce. Therefore you can expect an 8-ounce candle to burn for about 32-36 hours.

 

Ordering & Website:

• Do you ship internationally?▼

We currently ship only to the United States however, we plan to expand internationally soon. If you join our mailing list (at the bottom of this page), we will update you on our progress.

• How do I track my order?▼

We will advise you once your order is packed and shipped. As soon as carrier tracking information is available, we will forward it to you and you can track your order right to your door.

• Do you offer wholesale opportunities?▼

Yes we do. We offer both wholesale and co-branding opportunities. For information, please reach out using our contact form.

• Can I order custom candles?▼

Yes, we can accommodate custom orders. For information, please reach out using our contact form.

• How can I stay updated on new products and promotions?▼

This one is easy. Just join our mailing list at the bottom of this page and we'll keep you updated on new products, promotions, special offers, and the occasional flash sale. We try hard not to be annoying but will try to keep you informed.

Sustainability:

• What makes you packaging eco-friendly?▼

Our packaging is made from 100% recycled materials and can be further recycled after use. We try to use recycled materials whenever possible - even our vessels are made from 50% recycled glass and are curbside recyclable. Better still they are reusable!

• How do you source your ingredients?▼

At Nagomi Candles, we believe in the harmony of global craftsmanship. In much the same way that traditional Japanese artisans would look for the best materials for their craft, we carefully choose only premium ingredients sourced from around the world for our candles. Our sourcing philosophy embraces the best that global markets offer: • Coconut and apricot waxes from sustainable harvests
• Pure essential oils from their native regions
• Premium cotton wicks crafted in Germany and finished in the USA
• Natural fragrances from established U.S. suppliers, sourced from around the world
We work with established U.S. companies that have high standards for quality and ethics in sourcing. That way, we're able to bring only the purest, highest-quality ingredients to you without ever sacrificing quality or sustainability. Just like the spice routes of old brought precious aromatics across continents, we know that crafting the finest candles requires bringing together only the best ingredients from around the world.

• What is your commitment to sustainability?▼

At Nagomi Candles, we believe true harmony can exist only when humankind dwells in balance with our environment. Our commitment to sustainability flows through every aspect of our business, from ingredients to packaging. Our sustainable practices include:

Materials
• Using renewable coconut and apricot waxes instead of petroleum-based alternatives
• Selecting natural essential oils and pure fragrances
• Choosing clean-burning, cotton wicks
• Using containers that can be repurposed or recycled
Production
• Small-batch manufacturing to minimize waste
• Mindful ingredient measuring and handling
• Eco-friendly production processes
•Minimal waste packaging
Business Practices
• Partner with suppliers who share in our environmental ideals
• Support sustainable sourcing practices whenever possible
• Reduce carbon footprint by utilizing smarter shipping methods
• Maximize reuse and recycling of containers
Just as the concept of Nagomi teaches us to find balance in life, we strive to maintain harmony between the creation of beautiful products and the protection of our environment. We believe every small choice we make contributes to making a more sustainable future.

Customer Service:

• How do I contact Customer Service▼

You can reach us by using the contact form.You can also call us directly at +1 303 702 5169 during normal business hours. We are located in the Mountain Time Zone.

• What is your return policy?▼

We offer a 14-day return policy for products in their original salable condition. Details of our return policy can be found here.

• Do you offer samples?▼

Yes. With each scent, we create a limited number of 2 oz. samplers that are available for $15 (including shipping). You can find them listed on the product detail pages.

• How can I provide feedback about my purchase?▼

Every product page contains a section where you can write a review of the product you have purchased. We love to get your feedback and value your thoughts. If you have other feedback or suggestions, we encourage you to use the contact form here.

• What if my candle arrives damaged?▼

For items damaged in shipping, please contact the shipping carrier. For other items or questions, please refer to our refund policy here.

• Do you have a physical store location?▼

We do not currently have a physical store location but we would love to have your feedback and idea. It is certainly something that we are considering for the future.

Collections & Scents:

• How do you develop your scent collections?▼

Nagomi fragrance development is an art form - both an homage to tradition and innovation. The Nagomi fragrance development process is thoughtfully laid out so that every single fragrance upholds the notion of harmony and balance that defines the Nagomi way.
Our Journey to Perfect Harmony:
• We delve deep into intricate fragrance profiles that contain natural elements and essential oils
• Each fragrance must exude sophistication through its top notes, heart notes, and base notes
• We aim to find scents that take the user and those around on a story, not one-note chemical replicants.
Testing Process:
Each fragrance will be taken on its own journey of testing rigor. To date, more than 500 different scents have been explored in the making of our existing collections. Each potential fragrance is: • Artfully blended and tested in small batches;
• Checked and evaluated by our dedicated and skilled team of fragrance experts;
• Evaluated against Nagomi principles;
• Considered for how they can support specific aspects of well-being.
The final picks:
Only those that really express the Nagomi spirit enter our collections. Sometimes we notice how two beautiful scents blend together to an even more harmonious blend, while other perfumes, although beautiful, may not align with our vision of balance and tranquility. It is rather a careful process of creation, testing, and refinement for each scent to earn a place in our collections. Thoughtfully curated, the selection of fragrances is beautiful to smell, serving a purpose in supporting your journey toward harmony and balance.

• What do the Japanese names mean?▼

Each of our collections and candles carries a thoughtfully chosen Japanese name that reflects its essence and purpose. These names are more than simple translations—they embody the deep meaning and cultural significance behind each fragrance.
Our Eight Core Collections:

禅心 (Zenshin) - "Zen Mind," promoting meditation and mindfulness
静寂 (Seijaku) - "Tranquil Silence," fostering peace and calm
自然 (Shizen) - "Natural Essence," connecting with nature
活力 (Katsuryoku) - "Vital Energy," inspiring vitality and motivation
癒し (Iyashi) - "Healing Touch," offering comfort and restoration
花園 (Hanazono) - "Floral Garden," celebrating natural beauty
和心 (Washin) - "Harmony of Heart," nurturing emotional balance
季節 (Kisetsu) - "Seasonal Harmony," embracing nature's cycles

Individual candle names are also chosen with care, such as:

琥珀の黄昏 (Kohaku no Tasogare) - "Amber Twilight," capturing the serene transition from day to night
竜の囁き (Ryū no Sasayaki) - "Dragon's Whisper," embodying strength with mystery

Each Japanese name is carefully selected to honor both the fragrance's purpose and the rich cultural traditions that inspire our brand. The kanji (Japanese characters) themselves often carry layers of meaning that add depth to the story of each scent.

• How do I choose the right candle for my needs?▼

Finding the perfect Nagomi candle for you starts with an understanding of what you'd like to create in your space and your life. Each of our collections is designed to support different areas of well-being and harmony.

Consider your intention:

For Relaxation and Calm:
Seijaku Collection: Creates profound peace. Perfectly suited for meditation or quiet evenings.
Iyashi Collection: Brings healing comfort after a long day

For Energy and Motivation:
Katsuryoku Collection: Stimulates vitality and creativity
Shizen Collection: brings refreshing energy of nature indoors

For Balance and Harmony:
Washin Collection: nurtures emotional balance
Zenshin Collection: supports mindfulness and clarity

For Special Moments:
Hanazono Collection: creates a refined, uplifting atmosphere
Kisetsu Collection: celebrates seasonal transitions


Tips for Choosing:

Let the time of day you'll use your candle guide you
Think about which room your candle will burn in
Reflect on the mood you want to create

Trust your instincts - the scent that draws you likely aligns with what you need

Remember, there is no wrong choice. Each Nagomi candle is handcrafted to bring harmony into space in a different way. We invite you to explore our collections and find out for yourself which fragrances most deeply resonate with you.

• Do you offer seasonal collections?▼

Yes, we do. Our Kisetsu collection comprises various seasonal offerings designed to align with nature's natural rhythms. You can find our current offerings here.

• How do your collections align with Nagomi principles?▼

Each Nagomi collection is thoughtfully composed to represent varied perspectives of harmony and balance, the core essence of the Nagomi philosophy. Our eight collections work together to create a complete journey toward tranquility and well-being:

Zenshin - Zen Mind
Supports the Nagomi principle of mindful presence in helping you make space for meditation and reflection in your daily life.

Seijaku - Tranquil Silence
It typifies the Nagomi philosophy that the most authentic expressions of harmony manifest themselves in moments of silence and quiet.

Shizen - Natural Essence
Represents the Nagomi philosophy of harmonious living in tune with nature, brings in the balancing power of the natural self into your space.

Katsuryoku - Vital Energy
Represents the Nagomi concept that true harmony includes moments of energy and inspiration balanced with tranquility.

Iyashi - Healing Touch
Identifies the Nagomi concept of restoration and self-care; the ideas run parallel to keeping life in balance.

Hanazono - Floral Garden
Catches the Nagomi appreciation of natural beauty and its power that brings harmony into our surroundings.

Washin- Harmony of Heart
Captures the very heart of Nagomi emotional balance and inner peace.

Kisetsu - Seasonal Harmony
Embodies the Nagomi wisdom about moving with the rhythms of nature and letting life transitions be a beauty.

Together these form a complete route into the world of Nagomi and let you choose fragrances that will accompany you on your path to harmony: energizing or soothing, focusing or relaxing.