Entrepreneur and mother Heather Young started candle and lifestyle brand Pūpūkea Lux in her kitchen on the North Shore of Oʻahu. The business, which launched on Dec. 20, reflects her connections to family, community and the ocean.
“Pūpūkea Lux is deeply personal. In many ways, this candle business is a form of healing in disguise, a way to honor self, lineage and the ancestors, while creating something tangible and meaningful for others,” she told Aloha State Daily in an emailed statement. “The name Pūpūkea means white shell, a symbol of new beginnings, protection and connection to the ocean.”
“At the heart of everything I create is the belief that when we honor ritual, family and place, we’re able to live more connected and compassionate lives,” she added, “Our mission is to transform the simple act of lighting a candle into a sacred ritual, one that grounds the spirit, awakens the senses, and honors connection to family and lineage.”
Originally from Utah, Young moved to Hawaiʻi 14 years ago, the past 10 of which were spent on the North Shore, she noted, raising her son. Now, the mom is preparing to welcome twin daughters.
“The North Shore has truly shaped me, not just as a mother, but as a woman and entrepreneur,” Young said. “Living in Hawaiʻi comes with so many blessings, but I also learned early on that if you want to live a life of freedom here, especially while raising a family, you have to get very clear on what you love and how that love can serve others. That mindset has guided me since I was young. Living and creating on the North Shore has taught me the importance of stewardship, humility and giving to the place that gives us so much.”
Pūpūkea Lux was created with her values of sustainability and giving back in mind. According to her, candles are made with natural ingredients, plus a mix of essential and clean fragrance oils, all designed with refillable vessels.
The brand recently debuted its ʻOhana Collection, candles honoring six family roles of mom and dad, aunty, keiki, kūpuna and tūtū, along with ritual artistry candles and sprays for the home.
Beyond its product line, Pūpūkea Lux is committed to community impact, Young said, adding, “We plan to partner with value-aligned local businesses to host fundraising events and donate a portion of sales to local nonprofits and community organizations, including family-focused charities and the Hawaiian Humane Society.”
“My vision is for Pūpūkea Lux to be a bridge, supporting local causes while also creating meaningful partnerships that uplift the wider community," she continued. "My hope is that Pūpūkea Lux becomes a platform that supports local causes, while reminding people that slowing down can be an act of care for ourselves and others.”
ASD asked Young more about her background as an entrepreneur, what she enjoys about the candle making process, mentorship and more.
Tell me more about your background in business. I became an entrepreneur early in life, always finding creative ways to earn money by washing cars door to door, mowing lawns, even selling candy from a wagon along Fourth of July parade routes. Before starting Pūpūkea Lux, I explored many forms of entrepreneurship, including working as a certified hypnotherapist and intuitive energy healer, as well as owning an online wellness franchise focused on health and lifestyle. … Looking back, even the 35-plus jobs I’ve worked have all connected in some way to lead me here.
How did you first get into candlemaking? What is your favorite part of the process? How long can it take to complete? At first, I thought about starting a surf school, but I realized what I truly wanted was to be present with my family. I didn’t want a business that required constant childcare, kept me glued to my phone, or pulled me away from home. I wanted something creative, hands-on, and intentional, something that could help others slow down and be present, too.
I remember thinking, ʻI’ve always wanted to make a candle.’ That single thought opened the door. One idea led to the next, and over six months, that curiosity transformed into a fully developed brand, from formulations and rituals to packaging and website design..
My favorite part of the process is the prayer, blessing and intention that goes into every batch of wax and every ʻOhana room spray. That moment of quiet intention is sacred to me to prepare for my customers. From start to finish, depending on the product, it can take several days to weeks to thoughtfully create, cure and prepare each piece.
What are your goals for Pūpūkea Lux in its first year? In our first year, my goals are rooted in community connection. I plan to host our first three local pop-ups or market appearances, creating in-person experiences where people can connect with the brand and with one another.
I’m also interested in collaborating with local artists and creatives to grow alongside others in a way that honors culture, creativity and ancestral roots.
How do you balance business and being a mom? How do you unwind? Balancing business and motherhood has been my lived experience for the past eight years as an independent mother on Oʻahu. Over time, I’ve learned tools to calm my nervous system and live intentionally, rather than from fear or constant urgency.
Meditation, surfing and movement have been essential practices for me. They help me reset, reconnect and return to myself. For many years, I navigated this balance largely on my own, without consistent support from a partner or any extended family. That has shaped how deeply I value rituals of rest and self-care.
Now, as I step into a new chapter with a growing family, I’m learning to receive support as well, and that balance continues to evolve.
Who is a mentor of yours? What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs? I’ve had a handful of mentors over the years, but in many ways, I’ve been my own mentor, learning through trial, error, success and failure. I often joke about “YouTube University,” but truly, so much of what I’ve learned came from showing up, falling down, and choosing to get back up again.
My advice to other local entrepreneurs is this: intention matters more than constant action. Creating daily intentional rituals around your business and your life can help you grow without burning out. I’ve experienced burnout more than once, and I’ve learned that living in a performance-driven world doesn’t always lead to sustainable success.
To visit the online store and/or subscribe to Pūpūkea Lux’s newsletter , click here. Follow the brand on Instagram or Facebook @pupukealux.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
