An interview with maker Tribal Unicorn as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
Hey there, I'm Angelica, the Head Candle Freak of Tribal Unicorn Candle Bar. Our story began in 2017 when I started making 3D-embedded candles on my kitchen table as a hobby, which quickly became a beautiful obsession.
Tribal Unicorn is an East London-based, ethically conscious lifestyle brand that's all about luxury fragrance and home decor with a bold and beautiful aesthetic. Inspired by my British Caribbean roots, our candles are hand-poured and hand-decorated using environmentally friendly, raw materials and the highest quality fragrance oils, essential oils, Coconut and Rapeseed wax available.
Our customers unapologetically celebrate their individuality and culture, empowering your personality, and encouraging joy in their mental health and well-being routines.
Whether you're vibing at home with ‘Kiki’ or setting up the perfect dinner party with ‘Cashmere’, Tribal Unicorn is the glow-up every candle freak needs. Our candles spark joy, adding that extra touch of luxury and beauty to every life moment.
Where are you based?
East London - UK
Tell us a secret about you?
I'm a massive geek! I love anything techy, video games, AI etc
How do you make your work?
I always start with the fragrance and decide on the design afterwards. The design has to match the fragrance or else it doesn't work and if i don't love it, usually no one else will! All of our candles are hand made and hand decorated. Every single shell, pearl, tie dye pattern, rainbow etc! They're all added to the candle by hand. Some of our designs are created using our 3d printer, i'm still learning how to make 3d objects so i've soft launched a few candles here and there but I love the whole process of learning a new skill!
Describe your studio…
All of our candles are made in house in our studio (which is actually my parents living room). Using nothing more that a giant wax melter, our beautiful fragrance blends and a whole lot of love!
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
Our materials are all made in Britain from the best perfume houses in the UK. We decided to do this as we have a sustainability pillar that we're pretty dedicated to and sourcing UK raw materials made a whole lot more sense that shipping from abroad! Not only are we cutting down on plane emission, were also supporting the UK economy and businesses.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
Quality is the most important factor of our business. What's the point of owning a candle if you can't smell it? Well our customers know that when they're buying from us they purchasing the best of the best quality products available in the UK and we're doing our best to run the business sustainably. Most recently we introduced our tap - to - refill technology which we're pretty excited about! (tech geek) to help our customers be more sustainable too.
How and why did you start your small business?
I've always been crafty, arts and crafts is proven to be my happy place. I love it! One day I decided to try my own hand at making a candle, I had no idea what I was doing, I just knew candles really lifted my mood. After making one I felt they were a bit boring and started decorating them. From there I posted on social media and found a tribe who loved them! Tribal Unicorn has grown from strength to strength ever since and I love that my customers are happy with the products. I do it for the smiles!
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
It's been an interesting journey! Lots of ups, lots of downs but that's business for you! Notable achievements include creating bespoke products for The Brit Awards, working with Deliveroo, being stocked in John Lewis and Sephora, and all of the lovely moments in between where customers DM to say they love their candles.
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love that something I've made with my bare hands can make someone so happy. My favourite candle would have to be KIKI. Although it takes a while to make, the outcome is SO worth it, it's a whole vibe.
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
It means everything to us to have that support. There would literally be no Tribal Unicorn without the wonderful customers who come back over and over to stock up on their candles. Even the new candle freaks, gifting for friends. It means everything. Not only are you helping to keep the business afloat, you're also helping other small businesses thrive in this jiggy jungle.
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
My favourite purchase has to be my KitchNoir planner. Maybe not the most exciting of purchases BUT it's so helpful and it makes me feel organised, even if i'm not.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
I've been working with PRIOR ever since the opening of their Cabot Circus store and to be completely honest, there's a special place in my heart for this shop and it's customers. Not only are the staff super friendly and professional, the customers have continued to support the growth of my business, even if they don't know it. Every purchase makes the biggest difference.
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
Let's take over the world Candle Freaks! Unapologetically of course.
View Tribal Unicorn's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
