Reclaiming Purpose Through Craft: Rediscovering Self Through Craft and Conscious Creation

A Leap of Faith in Pursuit of Purpose

What's a passion or dream you've shelved due to the fear of hitting pause on a well-paying, stable career and the lifestyle that comes with it? For me it surfaced gradually, with a growing urge to step away from a career that no longer felt my own and instead try my hand at creating something physical. 

Enyalyë emerged amidst a journey of self-discovery, having worked for over a decade in technology and strategy consulting, navigating a world that was always on, always asking for more. Lacking a real sense of purpose, I began to unravel. The relentless pace of a largely career-driven existence and the loop of high functioning disconnection left me drained. I found myself reliving the same year again and again, performing a version of life that no longer felt like my own. I craved a more meaningful path, something tangible, something real. A new creative discipline and a chance to explore a completely new set of skills and perspectives, whilst creating something rooted in handcraft, traditional practices, and natural materials.

What began as a quiet exploration became the root of a much larger shift, an idea and the possibility of genuine purpose.

Enyalyë (en-yar-li-eh): Commemorating Classical Craftsmanship

The vision for the brand was clear from the beginning, to work with natural materials and independent British craftsman, to create refined home décor pieces. Objects designed and handcrafted to elevate the spaces we live in.

Our first collection focused on handblown glass vessels and perfumed candles. A deliberate decision, shaped by a single statistic: more than 35 million scented candle jars are sent to landfill each year. In an age where consumers are increasingly conscious and deliberate about the brands they support, scented candles, ubiquitous in so many homes, seemed to escape scrutiny.

I noticed the habit among my own friends and family, burning through scented candles and discarding the empty containers without a second thought. Where did they all go?

That curiosity quickly turned into concern and what I discovered was sobering. Over 90% of the scented candles purchased end up in landfill. The majority of those candles are also made using materials and chemicals that pose serious, long-term health and environmental risks, with the widespread use of synthetic chemicals in home fragrance products.

The Unaired Truths in Home Fragrance

Most mass-produced candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of crude oil refining. When burned, paraffin releases benzene and toluene, both recognised carcinogens. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed indoor air quality can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, a figure that’s even more alarming for those of us living in already congested cities. EPA

It doesn’t stop at the wax. Many fragrance oils used in mainstream candles are laden with synthetic compounds, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic musks. These chemicals act as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to rising rates of cancer, infertility, hormone imbalance, and reduced sperm count. PMC Research

What began as a project rooted in sustainability expanded quickly into a broader mission: to address the safety of the air we breathe, especially for families and children, who are most vulnerable to toxin exposure in the home.

My findings were further validated by Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a PhD toxicologist and former Senior Toxicologist in the fragrance industry. In a recent interview with Steven Bartlett on The Diary of a CEO, she highlighted the hidden risks behind common household products, including candles and the lack of transparency around ingredients. Her insights reinforced what I had discovered, harmful chemicals are not only present, but they are also widely unregulated and go undisclosed.

The task gradually became clearer. It was no longer just about designing refillable, environmentally friendly candles and vessels. It became a call to challenge an industry, to raise awareness, and to provide a truly safer alternative. Watch the full discussion 

Designing Faceted Refinement into a Seemingly “Harmless” Industry

I set out to design and create pieces that embodied more than aesthetic value. Objects that were safe, enduring, and created with respect for both people and the planet. A brand that would never compromise on a people and quality first ethos. The ambition is to blend science, artistry, and environmental responsibility into exquisite objects of refinement.

That’s why Enyalyë is built on three fundamental pillars:

• Handcrafted, Artisanal Excellence: We collaborate with local designers, craftsman, and suppliers, creating refined home décor objects that are designed to be reused, repurposed, and cherished for generations.
  
  
• Safe, Non-Toxic Perfumery: By studying individual perfume materials and sourcing only the most natural, responsibly harvested essentials oils and absolutes, we ensure our signature perfume blends are non-polluting. Every fragrance is formulated in-house, ensuring a rich, lasting, and toxin-free experience.
  
  
• Environmental Stewardship: Our mission goes beyond the product. We are dedicated to reducing waste, eliminating synthetic toxins, and educating consumers on the health and environment impacts of the choices.

A Conscious Choice for the Discerning Individual

We are all, in some way, curators of our environment. The objects we invite into our homes shape how we feel, how we live, and how we breathe. Choosing home fragrance that is both luxurious and non-toxic is more than a purchase, it’s a statement and a commitment to quality, health, and environmental responsibility.

At Enyalyë, we believe that refinement should never come at the cost of health. Each candle we make is designed to enhance, not pollute. Every piece reflects a quieter philosophy, one that honours tradition, protects the body, and responds to a modern desire for more intentional living.

The choices we make at home ripple outwards. They shape not only our present, but the world we leave behind. In the dance of shadows and light, let us choose wisely, where refinement and well-being are inextricably intertwined.

Explore our debut collection at enyalye.com