My Mother Taught Me to Make Unique Candles

If you’re feeling bored after work, then it might be time to consider picking up an interesting hobby—one that could even bring in some extra income. Our team believes that everyone is capable of learning something new in life, embracing new challenges, and shifting their perspective on things.

This February, we’re dedicating our spotlight to women who prove that a hobby can lead to extra income. Today, we introduce you to Jelena Gjinoska—a special educator and rehabilitator by profession, who in her free time loves writing poetry, contributing to theater scripts, and immersing herself in the world of art.

Her passion for the written word somehow brought her closer to the idea of creating candles that would enhance the atmosphere in her home.

At first, she made the candles just for herself, and the process was a form of relaxation. But over time, as more people learned about her handmade candles, requests for custom pieces began to grow—and so did the idea of turning her hobby into something more.

Today, her collection includes a wide variety of candles—some made using pre-purchased molds, and others crafted entirely from her own imagination. She says she loves to experiment, which is why she often adds different colors, scents, and decorative elements. Her customers recognize and appreciate this creativity, frequently requesting unique and customized candles that stand out.

She makes her candles using paraffin wax and soy wax, although she mentions that soy is harder to find—ideally, she would like the entire process to rely solely on soy. The candle-making process involves various molds, candle dyes, aromatic scents, and wax-coated wicks. If requested by customers, she also includes additional decorative elements such as semi-precious stones, beads, gold or silver bases, and more.

Jelena says that she inherited this craft from her mother, who used to make simpler candles and soaps for personal use. Over time, the uniqueness and the process of making candles inspired Jelena to invest more deeply into the work.

She notes that the competition is quite strong, so she strives to stand out by being different from the rest.

If you’d like to purchase her products, visit her page Freya Flames. Her creations will also soon be available in the Kajak.mk marketplace.