As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Krish Waje.
Krish is the Co-Founder of Lunaire, a luxury refillable candle brand on a mission to replace single-use candles with sustainable, lifelong alternatives. Inspired by her own journey—beginning with open-heart surgery at 16 and a deep love for aromatherapy—she created Lunaire to merge beauty with responsibility. Formerly a business analyst, Krish left the corporate world to pursue entrepreneurship full-time, building a brand that has since been recognized as a finalist in national business awards. Passionate about intentional living and conscious design, she is dedicated to showing that small, meaningful shifts—by both individuals and businesses—can create lasting change for the planet.
In this interview, she opens up about the strategies, challenges, and key turning points that have fueled her decade-long career in the digital business space.
What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?
My story begins at 16, when I underwent open heart surgery. It was a physically and mentally challenging time, but I found comfort in aromatherapy candles, especially, became part of my nightly ritual. Years later, as I moved out, I noticed the shelves lined with beautiful but empty glass jars I couldn’t bear to throw away. I’d tried to repurpose them, but most just collected dust. That’s when I thought – what if candles could be both beautiful and sustainable? That idea became Lunaire.
At the time, I was working as a business analyst. Juggling a full-time job while building a business wasn’t easy, but when you’re passionate about something, you find the hours in the day to make it happen. A year and a half into the business, the universe gave me the push I needed to go all in- my entire team was made redundant. I had another job lined up and was about to start, but I realised this was my chance to give Lunaire my everything.
It wasn’t an easy decision. Coming from an Indian family, my parents were understandably concerned about me giving up stability for the unknown. But in the end, it was the best decision I’ve ever made and I havent looked back since.
What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?
Over 35 million candle jars end up in landfill every year. Lunaire’s aluminium Forever Jars are endlessly refillable, durable, and designed to be treasured as home décor. They eliminate jar waste while saving customers money on every refill. It’s sustainable luxury – without compromise.
What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?
Starting my first business was a steep learning curve. I threw myself into online courses, business books, and podcasts, but what really accelerated my growth was joining networking groups. These spaces connected me with women at similar stages – or a few steps ahead – and became a safe place to share challenges, swap resources, and receive honest advice.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?
I remind myself of my “why” – to create a business that replaces waste with beauty and inspires others to live intentionally. On tough days, I light one of my own candles, slow down, and focus on the fact that progress, not perfection, is what builds lasting impact. I’ve also learnt that what truly matters is staying true to what I want to do, not what my parents expect of me or what society dictates.
What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?
To be honest I don’t have a routine or much structure to my day. One thing is for sure I always get at least 8 hours of sleep. If I am well rested, I can be productive during the day and concentrate properly. My determination to succeed and leave a meaningful impact on both people and the planet fuels me every single day.
What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?
Investing in the right equipment. We’ve spent over $20,000 on professional photography and content tools because in today’s digital world, high-quality content is everything. Beautiful, well-produced visuals allow us to showcase our products in the best light, tell our story authentically, and reach new audiences at scale. Ultimately, content is what drives connection- and connection is what brings in customers.
What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?
Introducing free engraving on every Forever Jar has been one of the most powerful decisions we’ve made. It instantly transforms a candle from a product into a personalised keepsake- something customers can gift with meaning or treasure for themselves. It’s not just about adding a name or date; it’s about creating a memory, a story, a symbol of permanence. In an industry where candles are often treated as disposable, engraving helps us stand apart and deepens emotional loyalty. Customers feel seen, valued, and connected to our brand on a personal level- and that trust is what keeps them coming back.
How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?
Success for me is the freedom of time and money – but beyond that, it’s about leaving a meaningful impact. I want to not just be part of, but lead, the change towards a future where we live in harmony with the planet, creating systems and products that honour both people and the environment.
Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?
Trying to cater to everyone. In reality, if you do that, you won’t truly resonate with anyone. Once my co-founder and I defined exactly who Lunaire is and what we stand for, we gained clarity. Now, every decision – from product design to marketing- is guided by our brand values, ensuring cohesion across every touchpoint.
What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?
Find a local networking group that you can join. It will help you feel not alone and you just never know who you could meet and how they can help you. And most importantly- just start! If you wait for the “right time,” it may never come. Momentum builds from action, not overthinking. Take the first step, however small, and trust that clarity and confidence will grow along the way.
How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?
The Lunaire Forever Candle system has redefined the candle and gifting industry. We’re proud to be the world’s first lifetime-guaranteed candle. Entering an oversaturated market carries risks, but innovation speaks for itself when paired with a product that solves real problems.
If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?
What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?
- Done is better than perfect.
- Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
- Saying no protects your yes.
- Progress compounds over time.
- Think BIG – even when you are just starting out.
If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?
I would spark a movement for conscious creation and consumption – where individuals choose products designed to last, and businesses take responsibility by setting a new standard. Sustainability should not be a side feature; it should be the baseline for every industry. If we can shift from disposable to lifelong design, we create a world where beauty, functionality, and responsibility coexist- and where companies lead with integrity instead of convenience.
What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act but a habit.” This quote grounds me in both life and business. I believe lasting impact doesn’t come from one-off wins but from the small, consistent actions we take every day. Whether it’s refining a product detail, engaging with customers, or making conscious choices for the planet- those repeated habits build the foundation of excellence. For me, it’s not about chasing perfection, but about showing up with intention, again and again.
Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?
My business accounts are on Instagram, Facebook. My personal Instagram, where I share the behind-the-scenes of building a business and a life I love.
