My Nagomi Story
My Journey
Growing up in a small Colorado town, I dreamed of the bright lights of Broadway. After graduating from high school, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City during the challenging COVID years. Balancing long hours as a bartender with the demands of auditions and vocal training, I quickly learned the meaning of stress in this fast-paced, competitive world.
The Spark of Inspiration
In my rare moments of downtime, I'd light a candle to unwind. But I found most store-bought candles overwhelming and artificial. That's when it hit me: why not create luxury candles with authentic, soothing scents that could offer a genuine moment of tranquility?
My Japanese Roots
My inspiration came from an unexpected source - my family's deep connection to Japan. My great-grandmother and grandfather worked in Japan for several years. My Grandfather attended high school there, and my mother was born in Japan. Growing up, Japanese culture was a constant presence in our home, shaping our values and perspectives.
Discovering Nagomi
When I was young, I often watched my mother take quiet pauses — a cup of tea in the morning, or a few moments of stillness in the evening as the day wound down. At the time, I didn’t fully realize the significance of those small rituals, but they left an impression of calm that lingered with me. Years later, in the intensity of New York, I came to understand their meaning. This is where I discovered Nagomi — the Japanese concept of harmony, balance, and serenity. It felt like a natural extension of my upbringing, and the perfect answer to the stress and chaos surrounding me.
The Birth of Nagomi Candles
Nagomi Candles grew out of a very personal intersection of my life experiences. My background in theater taught me the importance of atmosphere — how light, scent, and sound can shape emotion. Life in New York revealed the weight of stress and the need for intentional pauses. And my Japanese heritage instilled in me an early reverence for balance and harmony. Bringing these threads together, Nagomi Candles became more than a business idea — it became a way of creating what I had always longed for myself: small, meaningful rituals of calm. Each candle is more than a product; it is a bridge between cultures and a tribute to the quiet wisdom that has guided me since childhood.
Commitment
At Nagomi, our promise goes beyond fragrance. Every candle is crafted with integrity using a premium coconut-apricot wax blend that burns cleanly, sustainably sourced ingredients that honor the earth, and scent profiles inspired by authentic Japanese principles of balance. We believe true luxury is mindful: thoughtful in creation, respectful of culture, and intentional in how it transforms your everyday moments into rituals of calm.
More Than Candles
We're not just a candle company - we're a lifestyle brand with a mission. Our goal is to help people embrace Nagomi in their daily lives, offering a beacon of calm in today's stressful world
Looking Forward
As we grow, we're developing educational content, supporting mental health initiatives, and working towards a more balanced, harmonious way of living. We invite you to join us on this journey of exploration and positive change. Sign up below to join our mailing list or drop us a line and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you.