In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Stephanie St Eloi, founder of Lah Douceur Collection, shares how her unisex candle and fragrance brand is lighting the way for cultural pride, sustainability, and community impact. Rooted in the resilience and vibrancy of her Haitian heritage, Stephanie’s journey of entrepreneurship began as a personal outlet during challenging times. Today, Lah Douceur Collection not only offers luxurious, eco-conscious products crafted with ethically sourced Haitian vetiver but also serves as a platform to give back—empowering children in Haiti through each purchase.
With a deep commitment to sustainability, cultural storytelling, and supporting marginalized communities, Lah Douceur Collection stands as a testament to the transformative power of business. As Stephanie looks ahead to expanding her product line and reaching new markets, she invites Canadians to be part of her mission—celebrating diversity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of giving.
Lah Douceur Collection, founded by Stephanie St Eloi, is a unisex candle and fragrance brand that blends luxurious scents with rich Haitian heritage. Born from Stephanie’s resilience and passion during a period of personal growth, the brand reflects her deep-rooted connection to Haiti and her desire to create something meaningful. Inspired by the beauty and strength of Haitian culture, Lah Douceur candles feature ethically sourced ingredients like Haitian vetiver—celebrated globally for its calming and grounding aroma.
More than just a fragrance line, Lah Douceur Collection stands as a symbol of empowerment, with each purchase contributing to programs that support children in Haiti. Through sustainable practices, cultural storytelling, and community-driven initiatives, Stephanie is lighting the way for a brighter future—one candle at a time.
What inspired you to start the Lah Douceur Collection, and how does your Haitian heritage shape the vision and values of your business?
The Lah Douceur Collection was born out of a journey of resilience, hope, and love for my culture. As a single mom juggling unemployment and full-time school, I needed a creative outlet to transform pain and fear into something beautiful and meaningful. That’s when I turned to candle-making, a process that became my therapy and my passion.
My Haitian heritage is at the heart of everything I create. One of the key ingredients in my candles is Haitian vetiver, a fragrant oil that is not only a global treasure but also a point of pride for Haiti, which produces over 50% to 80% of the world’s vetiver supply. Incorporating this ingredient allows me to honor my roots while introducing others to the richness of Haitian resources and culture.
Lah Douceur Collection represents more than just candles—it embodies resilience, cultural pride, and the ability to create beauty out of adversity. My vision is to share this story and these scents with the world, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of Haiti in every product I make.
Haitian vetiver plays a significant role in your products. Can you share how this unique ingredient enhances the experience of your candles and what it means to you personally?
Haitian vetiver is more than just an ingredient in my candles; Known as the “oil of tranquility,” vetiver has a deep, earthy aroma that brings balance and grounding to any space. Its complex fragrance profile adds depth and sophistication to my candles, making a sensory journey that’s both calming and luxurious.
For me, Haitian vetiver is a bridge between my cultural heritage and the world represented in my collection. Each time someone lights one of my candles, they’re experiencing a piece of Haiti—its strength, its natural bounty, and its unique character. It’s my way of honoring where I come from and sharing that story through the power of scent.
Your candles are eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan. Why are these values important to the Lah Douceur Collection, and how do you ensure your products align with these principles?
At Lah Douceur Collection, eco-friendliness, cruelty-free practices, and vegan principles are not just buzzwords. Creating eco-friendly candles means sourcing sustainable materials, like soy wax, which burns cleaner and is biodegradable.
To align with these principles, I carefully vet suppliers, choose ethically sourced ingredients like Haitian vetiver, and continuously evaluate the production process to maintain the highest standards. It’s about crafting a product that feels good to use and aligns with the values of conscious consumers who care about their footprint and ethical choices.
Ultimately, these principles are essential to Lah Douceur Collection because they represent our promise to create luxury with integrity—offering candles that are not only luxurious but also kind to the earth and all its inhabitants.
With each candle sold, you contribute to supporting children in Haiti. What inspired this initiative, and how do you see it impacting your community?
The inspiration for this initiative came from my deep connection to Haiti and my desire to give back to the community to shape a better future for Haiti. Last year I had the privilege to visit Haiti after 23 years. It was the happiest two weeks that I had had in a long time. I witnessed both the resilience and the struggles of the Haitian people, particularly children who face barriers to accessing education, nutrition, and basic resources. These challenges motivated me to create something that could make a tangible difference.
With each candle sold, a portion of the proceeds is directed toward supporting programs that provide education, meals, and opportunities for children in Haiti. The goal is not just to offer short-term relief but to invest in the future of the next generation, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive.
I see this initiative creating a ripple effect in Haiti, where children who benefit from this support can grow into empowered adults capable of driving positive change. It also allows my customers to feel part of something bigger—to know that every purchase helps light up lives in more ways than one. This initiative is at the heart of Lah Douceur Collection, making each candle a symbol of hope and connection.
What are your aspirations for Lah Douceur Collection in the coming year, and how can CanadianSME readers support your journey?
My aspirations for Lah Douceur Collection in the coming year are rooted in growth, impact, and cultural celebration. I hope to expand my product line to include more unique fragrances that highlight Haiti’s natural resources, such as Haitian lime and hibiscus, alongside our signature vetiver. I also aim to increase our presence in boutique shops and larger retailers across Canada, making these handcrafted pieces of Haitian culture accessible to a broader audience.
Additionally, I want to deepen my commitment to sustainability by sourcing eco-friendly packaging and supporting initiatives that empower Haitian farmers and artisans. Every step I take is not just about growing a business but about creating a meaningful ripple effect that uplifts my community.
CanadianSME readers can support my journey by exploring and sharing my products, connecting me with opportunities to showcase my collection, and spreading the word about the beauty and resilience of Haitian culture. Every purchase is a vote of confidence in small businesses and a celebration of diversity and craftsmanship. Together, we can light up the world—one candle at a time.
