AsiaLIFE

Since it’s the time of year for candle-lit romance, we thought we’d sit down with Cambodia’s only eco-friendly candle maker, Jimmy Campbell.

AsiaLIFE: What brought you to Cambodia and why did you stay?
Jimmy Campbell: I came initially when I was offered a job to manage the FCC in Phnom Penh in 1994. The city was very different then, less traffic, more guns but equally as chaotic. I started work in June of that year and that marked the start of my love affair with Cambodia. There is something about this place that is addictive. It might be its people or its past or that it’s changing quickly yet some of it is not changing much at all. I like those contrasts. It’s a young growing country yet it is steeped in history. The thing I like best about it is that no two days are the same, everyday here is a challenge.

What inspired you to start producing environmentally sound candles?
I have always loved candles and particularly loved the free flowing patterns that hot candle wax can make. I love the way the hot wax finds its own way and am intrigued by the mix of colours and scents. At a certain point I was between ventures and had time on my hands. It was then that I had the idea to make my own candles. One of the things that put me off this idea was that paraffin was widely used in producing candles. Paraffin is the crudest part of oil that’s left in the bottom of the barrel after they have refined it to make petrol, plastics etc. It’s extremely toxic. I didn’t want to be using it or burning it in my home or work place. I read about soy wax and immediately got inspired to make candles that were non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Tell us a bit more about your candles
Soy wax candles are non-toxic and burn at least 50 percent longer than normal paraffin candles. All of our candles are individually hand-poured, each one is different and unique. Soy wax burns differently from normal paraffin candles therefore they have to be in a container. I use mostly glass containers as I like the look of the clear finish. One of the great things about soy wax is as it is bio-degradable, when the candle is finished the glass can be washed out with soapy water and used again. Our glass containers can be reused as a glass, refilled again with soy wax  at a 1 percent discount, or we can buy it back from you for US$1.

What types of essential oils do you use in your candles?
I use a variety of fragrances and essential oils, the most popular are lemongrass,  citronella, frangipani, lavender and vanilla. The most unique fragrance we use is Bergamot, which is a small roughly pear-shaped, fragrant citrus fruit that smells slightly floral.

Any plans to expand?
The business is in its infancy so I will see where it goes this year. I’d like to expand the business to Siem Reap later this year. We are the only business making these candles in Cambodia so it is possible for us to expand and give more jobs to Khmer people. One of my aims is to be able to put some profits toward a worthy cause. I am speaking with people who are planning a project that would put a solar panel in schools throughout Cambodia to provide electricity that could be used for evening classes to further education.

How much do your candles cost and how can we get our hands on them?
The smaller candles burn for 29 hours and retail for US$7, the larger ones burn for 46 hours and retail for US$12. They are sold in I-Ching, Beyond Interiors, Orange River, Waterlilly, Ambre and Amatak Spa. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.