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

Lauren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

BabaBoogs Candles was born during a time of deep personal transition—burnout, grief, and the realization that I needed to reconnect with myself and my creativity. Candle-making started as a form of self-soothing, but quickly became something much more: a way to tell stories, honor memory, and bring beauty into everyday rituals.

My mission is to create artful, intentional candles that spark feeling—whether it’s nostalgia, joy, calm, or connection. Each piece is designed to be more than just a product; it’s a sculptural object made to be displayed, gifted, or burned with intention. I pour everything by hand, with care, drawing from my background in art and design to create something that feels both personal and elevated.

This mission matters to me because I didn’t see myself or my values reflected in the typical home goods space. Too much of the industry feels impersonal, mass-produced, and disconnected from the people who actually use and love these objects. BabaBoogs is my response to that—a soulful, small-batch brand where every candle is made with meaning, not just for a moment, but for memory.

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Lauren Clemente—an artist, designer, and the founder of BabaBoogs, a one-woman candle studio rooted in storytelling, sensory design, and intentional living.

I’ve spent over a decade working as a creative director and brand designer across industries like editorial publishing, fashion, and hospitality, but I’ve always been a maker at heart. BabaBoogs was born out of a personal need for healing and slowness during a particularly challenging time in my life. What began as a quiet creative ritual—hand-pouring candles in my apartment—quickly turned into a passionate pursuit of merging object design with emotional storytelling.

I create sculptural beeswax candles that are made to be displayed, gifted, or burned with intention. My designs are often playful or nostalgic— pearl oysters, asparagus candlesticks, or vintage holiday houses—while still feeling artful and elevated. Every candle is designed, hand-poured, and hand-painted by me, in small batches, using natural ingredients.

My brand brings soul to the details. I’m not a manufacturer—I’m a maker. I design every object with intention, create custom molds, and ensure that each product feels like a piece of art. My background in branding and visual storytelling influences every part of the experience—from packaging and scent, to how the candle feels as a gift or display piece in someone’s home.

I’m most proud of building this business slowly, with integrity and personal meaning baked into every step. It means the world when someone connects emotionally with my work—when a candle reminds them of their favorite meal, or becomes part of their holiday ritual, or is the first object they buy for their new apartment. That’s the magic I want to create.

In the center of it all, BabaBoogs is about intention, memory, and celebrating the small things that make life feel beautiful. I hope my work helps you feel more connected—to your space, to your senses, to yourself and others.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was building BabaBoogs during a time of personal and professional upheaval. I had left a stable corporate job, was grieving the loss of a loved one, and was experiencing intense burnout. Starting a candle business wasn’t part of a grand plan—it was an act of soft self-healing.

I didn’t have a production studio or business degree. I was pouring candles in my kitchen, teaching myself everything from mold-making to e-commerce. I faced setbacks constantly—burnt batches, shipping delays, financial strain—but I kept going. Each obstacle became a lesson. I leaned on my design background, problem-solved my way through the unknown, and slowly grew a brand that people connected with.

To me, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about showing up, even when you’re unsure, and building something meaningful from what feels like disarray. My business exists today because I chose to keep betting on myself everyday.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A major pivot moment came when I transitioned from working as a full-time Creative Director in the corporate world to running BabaBoogs full-time. I had spent years helping other brands tell their stories—but then I realized I was disconnected from my own creative voice.

The shift wasn’t just about leaving a job. It was taking a leap into mystery, letting go of financial security and structure to pursue something entirely self-made. I had to reframe my identity—not just as a designer or consultant, but as an artist, maker, and small business owner. It was scary, but also creatively fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bababoogs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BABABOOGS/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bababoogs/
  

  @bababoogs

  
  https://faire.com/direct/bababoogs