We recently connected with Katelynne Bazile and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katelynne, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Lumiere Rene, our mission is to create handcrafted candles that do more than just fill a space with fragrance—they set the mood, spark nostalgia, and cultivate moments of connection. Our brand is deeply rooted in honoring personal light, both literally and figuratively.

This mission is personal to me because it’s inspired by my grandfather, a man who not only believed in leaving every place better than he found it but also in bringing light to every situation. No matter the circumstance, he found a way to uplift, guide, and make others feel seen. That same philosophy is woven into every candle we create—each one is meant to bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of presence to the moment.

Our candles aren’t just about scent; they’re about storytelling. Each one comes with a curated playlist, adding an immersive layer to the experience. Whether it’s a ‘Ladies Night’ candle celebrating sisterhood or ‘Garden Kisses’ capturing the essence of summer romance, our products are designed to make people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Beyond the product, Lumiere Rene is also about community. Through our Scents & Sounds events, we bring people together to experience the joy of candle-making in an interactive, music-filled space. We also prioritize transparency in how we communicate about our scents, ensuring customers feel confident in their choices.

At the core, our mission is about light—whether it’s the warm glow of a candle or the intangible light we bring into people’s lives. My grandfather taught me that light is more than just illumination; it’s presence, warmth, and connection. And that’s what makes this mission so meaningful to me.

Katelynne, 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?

Hi, I’m Katelynne Bazile, founder of Lumiere Rene Candle Company, a handcrafted candle brand that blends scent and sound to create meaningful experiences. Inspired by my grandfather—a man who brought light to every situation—our mission is to craft candles that do more than just smell good; they evoke memories, set the mood, and foster connection.

How It All Started
My journey into candle-making began as a passion for storytelling through fragrance. Scent has the power to transport us, whether it’s reminding us of home, a special moment, or a feeling we want to hold onto. I wanted to create candles that weren’t just products but experiences—ones that bring warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of presence.

What Sets Us Apart
Scent & Sound Experience – Every candle comes with a curated playlist, adding a personal soundtrack to the moment.
Intentional Storytelling – Each scent is designed to evoke a specific memory or feeling, from ‘Ladies Night’, celebrating sisterhood, to ‘Garden Kisses’, inspired by my family’s vibrant garden.
Transparency & Trust – We help customers confidently choose scents, even online, by being open about fragrance profiles.

What I’m Most Proud Of
Seeing Lumiere Rene evolve beyond just a candle brand into a community-driven experience has been incredible. From securing retail partnerships to hosting events that make people feel seen and celebrated, it’s been a fulfilling journey—especially as a self-funded business.

What I Want People to Know
Lumiere Rene is for those who cherish moments, memories, and connection. Whether you’re lighting a candle to unwind or creating new memories at an event, our goal is to bring warmth and intention to your everyday life—just as my grandfather did for those around him.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Admittedly, funding has been a challenge, as Lumiere Rene has been entirely self-funded. From the beginning, I knew I had to be strategic—starting small, reinvesting profits, and gradually saving to afford the necessary materials and equipment.

My dedication to this business is deeply personal. With my grandfather’s name attached to it, his legacy fuels me to keep pushing forward. While I’ve been able to sustain and grow through sales, I’m now exploring grants and other opportunities to diversify funding and scale the business further.

Despite the challenges, I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead. Every candle sold helps keep this dream alive, allowing me to continue crafting experiences that bring light—just as my grandfather did.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Stepping outside of my comfort zone has been key! I’ve had to push myself to be more visible, and along the way, I’ve learned how to create and edit fun, engaging videos to expand my presence.

One thing that has guided me is keeping my social media formula clear—ensuring that every post reflects how I want people to feel when they interact with my brand. I aim to be informational, entertaining, and engaging, and I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing followers who not only support but also reshare my content, helping me reach new audiences.

I also love taking my followers behind the scenes—every milestone, lesson learned, or even a small win is something I share. I’ve found that when people get to know my personality and see the person behind the brand, they’re more likely to connect and support. It’s not just about selling candles; it’s about bringing people along for the journey.

My biggest advice? Keep posting! It doesn’t matter how many followers you have—what matters is consistency. Some of my best opportunities have come from people who weren’t even following me but discovered my content. Social media can feel like another full-time task as a business owner, but it’s also a powerful tool. Stay consistent, experiment with what works for you, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lumiererene.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lumiererenecandleco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumiere-rene-candle-company/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits

Images in Lumiere Rene Candle Co Studio: Elizabeth Sanders
Images at Grammys Gifting Lounge: Craig Blank