Kalaiselvi and Murugan of Pondicherry were just married when the idea of their own enterprise took root. As a teacher who had taught claywork to children, working on things like cups and candles, Murugan was ready to take the leap.

The team at the Pondicherry enterprise

Now, 27 years later, they are still going strong with their offerings of perfumed candles, sachets, incense sticks and other fragrances.

‘The enterprise is our first baby,’ says Kalaiselvi. The couple has been through a lot and Kalaiselvi remembers trying to sell the product to boutiques around Pondicherry. Now, the enterprise is mostly into exports and works minimally on domestic orders.

They provide employment to ten women, most of whom have been with them for more than 10 years. ‘People join us and don’t leave unless they absolutely have to. It’s like a family here!’ she says.

Our Fragrance Line