Meet Jennifer Rhee of LAIT Candles in West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rhee.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Candlemaking has always been a childhood hobby of mine. My best friends used to call me “Korean Martha Stewart” because I loved making handcrafted goods. I dedicated much of my time after college building my career in the fast-paced fashion industry but started candle-making again to find peace and solace during any downtime I had.

My first “order” was making candles for one of my friends’ intimate wedding ceremony that my brother Jason of Rheefined Company was planning about five years ago. I poured 75 soy candles in my tiny West Hollywood apartment and remembered seeing them beautifully displayed at the wedding, feeling proud about being able contribute something for their special day. Jason was actually a big part of starting LAIT because he’d get me connections to doing some large orders for charities and events that he was planning.

From that point on, I built my online website, sold at seasonal pop-ups and been able to specialize in custom candles for weddings, local businesses and some big brands like Rimowa and Nordstrom. I even got the opportunity to collaborate with my previous company, PAIGE (with Paige Adams-Geller herself) to create the perfect PAIGE candle for the stores inspired by her favorite tiare flower perfume.

It’s really quite serendipitous the way the universe brought LAIT into whatever I was doing in my life – even if I tried to keep them separated. Years ago, I wouldn’t have even imagined knowing that LAIT is a huge part of who I am today.

Has it been a smooth road?
When I say that LAIT is a huge part of what I am today, it’s because I have faced each and every obstacle or challenge head-on. All goods are created by me from concept to shipment because I believe that the details really make the ethos of LAIT. My Virgo personality is striving for perfection, so imperfection or any other challenges in any part of my business used to make me feel discouraged at times. There were endless moments where I doubted myself and questioned if I was even pursuing the right path.

Managing a small business actually made me feel fearless with the mindset that if I do it one way and it doesn’t work, I’ll take note for the future, so it doesn’t happen again and keep going. It’s important to reflect, so you don’t repeat it but especially important not to dwell nor regret. Each challenge makes every accomplishment feel SO much more rewarding, and that is why you keep going. I’m also an optimist, so I always think I can do a lot more than I can handle.

Coming from having the typical office hour work week, it was a challenge managing my own schedule because you essentially must work around the clock – especially during the high production seasons where I’m pouring on hours on end to meet deadlines. I used to feel guilty about setting time aside to unwind to workout or enjoy a meal with friends to cultivate my friendships and relationships but being surrounded by the ones I love motivates me more.

The thing about being a business owner is that the ones in your life will truly understand and support you by coinciding with your hectic schedule without affecting your relationship. While I am a one-woman show, my family, especially my cousin Jamie, aunt Cindy and my mom Erica, steps in to contribute their time and labor for me. That gives me the momentum to do my best for LAIT.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
LAIT means “milk” in French. Each hand-poured soy candle is made to nourish your sense of well-being. Whether it be lit to create peace to wind down or gift them with a thoughtful message like the names I thoughtfully chosen like “Joie de Vivre (The Joy of Life) or “Maison de Lumière” (The House of Light), I created scents to uplift the mood with a blend of non-toxic, high quality, body grade fragrance and essential oils.

My current favorite is “La Vie en Rose” (the French saying of “Life through rose-colored glasses”) which is a blend of yuzu citrus, geranium, rose and tea – packaged in a special edition pink label because a portion of sales is donated to the aid Breast Cancer research.

Aside from my signature collection, I specialize in collaborating with brands or clients with design-your-own-scents. Co-branded LAIT candles are a big part of my business because I love to create what is, essentially, my client’s dream candle. It can sometimes be a rewarding challenge having to harmoniously blend the essence of LAIT to capture their brand or story. I love knowing that a LAIT custom candle is an extension of who they are or the message they are trying to portray.

Candles itself is one of the most universally thoughtful gifts so adding a personal touch makes it extra special.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I grew up in Orange County and like to think of the OC as a small, suburban-life town. I moved to West Hollywood with my brother to pursue a career in fashion, and while OC is only about an hour away, the culture and energy here is entirely different.

I am especially fond of working with LA-based businesses and feel lucky to have met some extraordinary people here doing inspiring things. I make and try to source all my goods here in LA, and this is where LAIT was created. I’m excited to continue to nurture LAIT in this city because it’s a balance of grace and grit.

Pricing:

• Signature Standard Candle 8.5oz $36
• Room Reed Diffusers $32
• Deluxe Marble Candle (100+ hr burn time) $115
• Micro Travel Jars $12

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.shoplait.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplait

Image Credit:
Sarkis Studios // Product Shots by Jennifer (LAIT)

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