Lilu Aromas, founded by Marisa Harripersad, is a business rooted in the art of craftsmanship, passion, and a desire to enrich everyday life with elegance and comfort. Specializing in handcrafted scented candles and personalized items, Lilu Aromas has built a reputation for creating products that transform any space into a haven of luxury and warmth. At its core, the brand is dedicated to offering a sensory experience that captivates and delights its customers.
The candles from Lilu Aromas are not just simple items of décor; each one is meticulously hand-poured using all-natural soy wax and premium fragrance oils. These elements are carefully chosen to ensure a clean, long-lasting burn and a fragrance that lingers, enhancing the ambiance of any room. The soy wax used is eco-friendly and toxin-free, positioning the brand as one that cares for the environment while also offering superior quality. From a range of captivating scents to elegant, personalized trinkets, Lilu Aromas caters to those seeking a touch of sophistication and warmth in their daily lives.
Beyond scented candles, the brand offers personalized gifts such as keychains, cups, pouches, and custom gift sets that commemorate special moments. These personalized items add another layer of thoughtfulness and are crafted with the same attention to detail and quality as the candles. Each product is designed to elevate everyday experiences, making them meaningful and memorable.
Marisa’s journey into candle-making is deeply personal and rooted in faith. As a part-time chandler and full-time court reporter, she juggles the demands of both professions with grace, often using her candle-making as a form of relaxation after her demanding work hours. Candle-making serves as a stress reliever, a creative outlet, and a way for her to unwind after a fast-paced day. The joy and contentment she derives from this craft are evident in the quality of her products, which are meticulously crafted with care.
Her inspiration to start the business came during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people found solace in hobbies and creative endeavors. Marisa was inspired to take a candle-making course and what began as a hobby soon became a passion. It wasn’t long before she felt compelled to turn her passion into a business. Her faith also played a crucial role in her journey. A scripture verse from Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven,” inspired her to bring light into others’ lives, both literally and metaphorically, through her candles.
Lilu Aromas has achieved significant milestones in a relatively short period of time. Marisa’s products have gained loyal return customers, a testament to the high quality of her offerings. Her participation in Courts’ Pop-Up Markets has allowed her to expand her reach and grow her customer base. Starting with just 24 candles, she now produces and sells triple the amount. This growth speaks to the demand for her products and her dedication to creating a brand that people return to time and again.
As an entrepreneur, Marisa has learned valuable lessons along the way, the most important being the need for resilience and adaptability. The entrepreneurial journey is rarely smooth, and there have been times when she had to reassess her strategies, refine her products, and pivot to meet market demands. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her vision and continues to push forward, knowing that each setback is an opportunity to grow and improve.
For those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey, Marisa offers sound advice. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their passion, for it is this passion that will sustain them through difficult times. Her faith and spirituality have been her anchors, guiding her through moments of uncertainty. She also emphasizes the importance of research and planning, starting small, and gradually scaling the business as it grows. Marisa highlights the importance of continuous learning and surrounding oneself with a strong support network. Entrepreneurship is as much about perseverance as it is about innovation, and Marisa believes that building strong customer relationships and delivering value are the keys to long-term success.
For Marisa, a brand is not just a business. While a business focuses on selling products and generating revenue, a brand is about the emotional connections it creates with its customers. It encompasses the identity, values, and personality that distinguish it from competitors. Lilu Aromas, for instance, is more than just candles and trinkets—it’s about creating an experience, a feeling of warmth, comfort, and elegance. The brand reflects Marisa’s commitment to quality, her faith, and her passion for craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the local brand community in Trinidad and Tobago, Marisa recognizes the diversity and talent present. However, she sees room for improvement in how local brands present and market themselves. Stronger marketing efforts and more polished presentations could help these brands stand out not only locally but also on a global stage. Trinidad and Tobago’s local brands have immense potential, and with the right visibility, they could achieve greater recognition and success.
Lilu Aromas is actively involved in various markets, particularly through collaborations with Happy Melon Bistro and the Courts Trinidad and Tobago Vendors Market. Marisa’s presence at markets such as South Park and Freeport Branches, along with her stockist at Sarah Beth’s Boutique, provides customers with multiple opportunities to experience her products in person. Although she has not yet hosted her own markets, Marisa has plans to do so in the future, along with candle-making events that will allow others to share in the joy of her craft.
As Lilu Aromas continues to grow, Marisa remains dedicated to her mission of enriching lives through the art of scent and personalization. With a foundation built on passion, faith, and resilience, the future of Lilu Aromas shines bright, just like the candles Marisa lovingly creates.
