What do basil and green tea, caramel and black clove have in common? Not only do they add flavor to your kitchen, they are some of the scents that Taslim Droliya cooks up while making candles from her home in Istanbul.
Welcome to ARE Living’s ongoing interview series where we get to share how you ARE living!
A day in the life of a candle maker
Most days you can find me stirring a pot over my stove. What’s in it? Not soup, but all natural soy wax!
![making candles](http://are-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/taslimmeltingwax.jpeg)
Supporting her health with nature
I love going for morning walks in the forest. Walking really boosts my energy, gives me time to reflect, and most importantly, I get to spend quality time with myself. It’s refreshing, peaceful and the crisp air makes me feel alive.
Creativity is part of artful wellness
When I’m using my creativity in a way that allows me to experience peace and joy within, that is what artful wellness means to me.
![cozy candles](http://are-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/taslimcozycandles.jpeg)
Serenity while making candles
First of all, making candles brings me serenity. When I am making candles, I am not thinking about anything else. I am in my own world, and it’s so therapeutic.
When I am making candles, I am not thinking about anything else. I am in my own world, and it’s so therapeutic.
Taslim Droliya
If I could have just one thing?
An afternoon all to myself!
![](http://are-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211010_174102-01-1200x1600.jpeg)
Insider details on this candle-making maven
- I love coffee, although I am trying to cut down and drink more water.
- I feel terrible for saying this but I have no plants! Sadly, I have never been able to look after one.
- The last recipe I made was zucchini brownies. I modified it since I can never follow a recipe to a ‘T’!
![](http://are-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/taslimgreenteabasil-scaled.jpeg)
Making candles just one part of a nourishing life
To me, nourishment is something good you do for your mind and body. As a result, nourishment brings you inner peace and wellbeing.
A peek into Taslim’s kitchen
I love vegetable dishes and rarely eat meat. My current favorite at the moment is Paneer Tikka Masala and Chana Masala.
One word that describes Taslim?
Loyal!
![packaged candles](http://are-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/taslimboxedcandles-scaled.jpg)
After many years of teaching English, Taslim Droliya decided to follow her passion, which is making handcrafted scented soy wax candles. Follow your nose to her scented candles on her Instagram page, Bosphorus Candles.
Can’t get enough of learning about the lives of creative, real people inspired by wellness? Read more from our interview series:
Tiny Sparks of Joy: Sneak Peek into the Day of a Ceramic Artist
One Daily Gratitude Routine of this Istanbul Designer
The Art of Finding Joy in Daily Life