The Hindu : New Delhi News : A remarkable journey from hobby to career

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Saturday, Sep 23, 2006
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New Delhi

A remarkable journey from hobby to career

Madhur Tankha

CREATIVE: Mandira Talwar and Annette Wong

NEW DELHI: It was more a hobby than career that motivated two Delhi-based enterprising women, Mandira Talwar and Annette Wong, to start designing candles. But it soon turned into a full-fledged profession as they began receiving a favourable response for their creativity.

"Spinach"

Now the duo is selling exquisite candles under the brand name "Spinach". Launching the two-day season collection of candles at India Habitat Centre here on Thursday, Annette said: "Mandira and I started designing candles purely as a passion. Three years ago we chose the name Spinach for our company because when we started this business a lot of companies had candle-related names. So to break the monotony and also to have a more catchy nomenclature, we decided to go in for Spinach."

Annette, who works as a make-up artist for films, gives credit to her partner for giving commensurate time to both professions. "I have worked as a make-up artist in films like `Bride and Prejudice' and `Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World'. Actually, designing candles and make-up are both creative professions. We design candles like `hurricane' in which the buyer has to just change the tea light to keep it glowing."

Even though Annette's parents are Chinese from the City of Joy, she grew up in Delhi. While designing candles she doesn't give a Chinese touch to them but agrees that art in her forefathers' land is culturally rich.

They have customised their candles for virtually every season and every person who would like to light one. Each candle made of gel and wax is unique as well as aesthetically pleasing. The candles are drenched in natural fragrance oils and are available in flamboyant colours.

Mandira, who studied commercial design at the London Institute, says that while designing candles they bear in mind the commercial proposition as well as the creative side. "It is a happy combination of both," she adds.

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