In this exclusive interview, we sit down with a brilliant mind behind this revolutionary brand to learn more about her journey, her values, and what sets Soy Candles apart from the rest.
Two years ago a unique idea was born – A home-based startup company that would change the way Bahrainis see candles. Meet Soy Bahrain, a brand that prioritizes natural ingredients and sustainability.
But this success didn’t come easy, It took Hana a year of research and perseverance to perfect her craft and vision. However, she refused to let any obstacle stand in their way, even when things got tough behind the scenes.
Get ready to be inspired by the passion and vision of Hana Tawfeeqi, Founder of Soy Bahrain.
What is Soy Candles?
We all know the struggle of finding the perfect gift, only to face the added hassle and expense of wrapping it. Soy Candles understands, which is why they offer a unique solution – pre-packaged, ready-to-gift candles that can be delivered to your doorstep or directly to the person you want to gift it to because well, who doesn’t love a beautiful and aromatic candle?
These 100 % natural candles are a breath of fresh air, as they steer clear of harmful chemicals found in traditional paraffin wax candles. It’s clear that Soy listens to its customers and provides a sustainable aesthetic approach for all your gifts.
What Sets Soy Apart?
Soy Bahrain is all about sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment. That’s why they offer a unique service that sets them apart from the rest: candle jar refilling.
After you’ve enjoyed your candle, don’t just toss the jar in the trash or let it collect dust on your shelf. Instead, let them pick it up and refill it with the scent of your choice. Not only is this a more eco-friendly option, but it’s also a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite Soy candle again and again.
At Soy, They want to make sure that you have everything you need to enjoy your candles to the fullest. That’s why they offer a Candle care kit that includes all the essentials: a Snuffer, Wick trimmer, Wick dipper, Tray, and a Rechargeable Lighter. With this kit, you can rest assured that your candles are burning safely and efficiently.
What were some hurdles confronted by Soy Bahrain along the way?
When you’re starting a business from scratch you’re bound to face obstacles along the way. For Soy, the journey was a long and challenging one, taking a year of testing and experimenting to get everything just right. With thousands of natural materials to choose from, as well as different types of wax and wicks to consider, it was no small feat.
But that wasn’t the only challenge facing Hana. Sourcing materials and vendors was a difficult task, particularly when it came to finding quality supplies outside of Bahrain. However, they remain committed to supporting local businesses as they grow.
Another hurdle was the cost of producing giveaways in large quantities. While they strive to keep the prices low, they refused to compromise on quality, which made it challenging to keep costs in check. But they are constantly innovating and improving, with plans to release new candles tailored to seasons and occasions. Despite these difficulties, they remain just as dedicated and passionate about the candles they make and are lining up some giveaways as well.

Why Working for Soy Bahrain is More Than Just a Job?
Working at Soy is a truly unique experience, one that provides endless opportunities for growth and creativity for Hana. Owning her own business has been both a motivating and rewarding path for Hana. But there’s more to Soy than just personal fulfillment. Soy is making a real impact in spreading awareness about natural ingredients and the benefits of using soya wax candles. Soy makes candles that are absolutely safe for everyone, including pregnant women, children, and people with allergies. In a place like Bahrain, where access to these types of products is limited yet candles are sought out regardless, It’s truly gratifying to see customers embrace the brand and its vision of sustainable ambiance.
Customers appreciate the convenience of a locally-made product that is both safe to use for everyone and reasonably priced. It’s a source of pride for Hana.
What’s next in store for Soy Bahrain?
Soy Candles has big plans for the future, with plenty of exciting new ventures on the horizon. First up – A brand-new line of diffusers, which have become increasingly in demand among their loyal customers.
But that’s not all. Soy Candles is also looking to create a unique space where people can come together to share in the candle-making experience. This workshop will serve as both a platform for customers to learn more about the process and make their own candles, as well as a studio for the Soy Candles team to continue their work.
It’s a two-for-one deal that promises to be both fun and informative, and it’s just one example of the brand’s commitment to innovation and community-building.
Starting a Business: Tips and Advice from the Founder of Soy Bahrain.
If you want to stand out from the crowd and make your mark on the world, you need to be bold, innovative, and totally unique. In a place like Bahrain, where trends come and go at lightning speed, it’s more important than ever to think outside the box and create something that truly stands out. Running a business can be tough but it is important to stay motivated.
Setbacks are a part of the journey and it is essential to take calculated risks to grow your business. Be a curator of your own destiny, seek out the unexplored corners of the market, and carve out a niche that is totally your own.
Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and a plan to get there. This will help you to stay focused and motivated.
Understand your market and research your target customer’s needs and preferences. This will help you in creating products that meet their demands.
Be Flexible and be ready to adapt to changing circumstances. Adjustments to your business plan might be needed, flexibility in your business will help you stay ahead of your competition and avoid failure.
Stay true to your values. Be ethical, honest, and transparent about your business. This will help you build trust with your customers as well as your stakeholders and lead to good long-term relationships and success.
Believing in yourself and having a passion for your work are essential ingredients for success. Don’t shy away from opportunities, even if they seem daunting or unfamiliar. Embrace them with open arms, confident in the knowledge that every experience is a chance to learn and grow. Who knows? That one chance encounter or unexpected opportunity could be the key to unlocking your true potential and taking your business to new heights. So keep pushing forward, Be you, and Be unique.
Any last thoughts for our readers
Don’t let your brilliant ideas fade into obscurity. Too often, we hear people talking about the next big thing, only to watch as those ideas fizzle out and disappear. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re serious about becoming an entrepreneur and bringing your unique vision to life, start by jotting down all your thoughts and ideas in a notebook or journal. This will help you stay organized and focused and will ensure that you don’t forget about those strokes of genius that come to you in the middle of the night.
And don’t just talk about your plans—put them into action! Take that first step, even if it’s a small one, and see where it takes you. Remember, the road to success is paved with determination, hard work, and a willingness to take risks.
Remember, at SMET, we’re not just passionate about candles – we’re passionate about people too. That’s why we love sharing the stories of founders and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.
If you’re a founder with a story to tell, we invite you to reach out to us. Let us help you share your journey and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Together, we can build a brighter future, one candle (and one founder) at a time.