We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dorothy Nankanja a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dorothy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

During my maternity leave, I found myself in a period of uncertainty—unpaid, unsure about my career, and searching for what came next. In between caring for my two-month-old, I would scroll through Instagram, drawn to anything related to events and design. That’s when I discovered sand candles. I was immediately captivated by their uniqueness—sustainable, slow-burning, and scent-free, they offered a stunning yet unexpected touch for events. I couldn’t shake the feeling that they had real potential in the luxury event space and in interior design.

Determined, I dove deep into research, sacrificing those rare quiet moments to learn everything I could. I explored other ways to enter the wedding and event industry in the Washington DC metropolitan area, but I kept coming back to sand candles. It felt like the perfect fit. What started as a late-night search for inspiration turned into a business that brings elegance and originality to events, and I couldn’t be more excited about where it’s headed.

Dorothy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m the founder of a luxury candle design and staging business in the Washington DC metropolitan area specializing in sand candles—unique, sustainable, scent-free, and slow-burning candles that create a stunning visual experience for events. My journey into this industry began during my maternity leave when I was searching for a way to combine my passion for events with something fresh and distinctive. After discovering sand candles, I became obsessed with learning everything about them and how they could elevate event design. That passion quickly turned into a business dedicated to offering a one-of-a-kind product that enhances weddings, corporate events, and celebrations with a soft, mesmerizing glow.

What sets my brand apart is the combination of artistry and function. Sand candles aren’t just decor; they are an experience—customizable, elegant, and designed to complement any event theme. Unlike traditional candles, they don’t produce excess waste, burn cleanly, and offer a modern alternative to floral centerpieces or standard lighting. My goal is to create unforgettable moments for my clients, ensuring their events stand out with sophistication and creativity. I’m most proud of the way this business has grown from an idea into something that transforms special occasions. More than anything, I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is fueled by passion, innovation, and a deep love for beautiful, meaningful design.

Have you ever had to pivot?

For most of my life, I was set on becoming a doctor. I pursued every step toward that goal—earning my master’s degree, diving deep into the world of medicine, and dedicating years to studying and preparing for med school. Along the way, I started to feel disconnected from the reality of practicing medicine in this country. The system didn’t align with the kind of care I wanted to provide. As I explored integrative health and other healthcare modalities, I found myself questioning if this lifelong dream still fit the person I was becoming. Letting go of that vision was incredibly difficult—it felt like I was quitting on something I had sacrificed so much for.

Then, life shifted. Living through COVID, becoming a mother, and gaining new perspectives made me realize that fulfillment didn’t have to come from one path. While continuing my 9-to-5 in oncologic safety and pharmacovigilance, I slowly transitioned into entrepreneurship, drawn to the freedom and creativity it offered. What started as a small idea—something I explored in my spare time—truly became a passion and a thriving business. That pivot wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about redefining success on my own terms, proving to myself that it’s okay to evolve, and finding joy in building something that aligns with who I am today.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that going above and beyond should always be the standard. It’s inherently in my nature to overdeliver—I’ve always prided myself on my work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile. However, as a business owner, especially in the events industry, I quickly realized that without boundaries, this mindset can lead to burnout and undervaluing my own work.

In the beginning, I would take on every opportunity, sometimes stretching myself too thin just to exceed expectations, but I’ve learned that not every client is the right fit, and not every request aligns with my brand or the level of service I want to provide. Now, I focus on delivering excellence within defined boundaries—knowing how much I’m willing to give and ensuring that my energy is spent on projects that align with my vision. It’s an ongoing process, but setting those limits has made me a stronger, more intentional business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zabucandles.com/
• Instagram: @zabucandles

Image Credits

Jacob Webster; Trene Forbes; Nelli Gordon; Megan Dix