In April 2024, I was honored to be invited to create and design a special candle for the Chain of Hope charity. This candle would be featured in the goodie bags of every guest attending the Chain of Hope Gala 2024 in November.
After numerous discussions and brainstorming sessions, I decided to name the candle ELPIDA, a Greek word meaning “hope.” It also ties into the very essence of the charity, as “hope” is central to their mission.
But what about the fragrance? As I pondered the perfect scent, an idea struck me—orange blossom. This delicate, uplifting aroma would symbolize optimism, renewal, and the constant blossoming of new possibilities.
And so, the project began.
I had four months to bring my vision to life. This involved preparing labels, sourcing materials, and visiting shops across the heart of Athens to find the perfect box, the ideal color, and the most fitting candle jar. Every detail had to carry profound significance.
- The Box: Inspired by Pandora’s box, symbolizing that hope was the last thing that remained.
- The Blue Ribbon: Representing the Aegean Blue, the rich blue of the Greek flag, and the serene spirit of Greece.
- The Scent of Orange Blossom: A symbol of perpetual growth, renewal, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
With these elements in mind, I set to work. It took a month to pour all 300 candles, two months to find the perfect essence of orange blossom, and even longer to create the final, carefully crafted fragrance blend.
Once all the candles were poured, packed, and shipped to London, I decided to create a larger version of the ELPIDA candle. For every large candle sold, 1 euro would be donated to one of Chain of Hope’s most important ongoing initiatives: the Rwanda Heart Centre.
On November 8th, I had the privilege of attending the Chain of Hope Gala at the Natural History Museum in London. It was a heartwarming evening, attended by many beautiful people, including celebrities and philanthropists, all coming together to support the life-changing work of the charity. The gala highlighted the invaluable contributions of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who help provide life-saving surgeries for children in need.
I am deeply honored to have become a junior member of the Rwanda Heart Centre project. I truly hope that the ELPIDA candle will inspire others to offer their help in any way they can—whether it’s lending support to those closest to you or reaching out to those in need.
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Lisa Yacoub, Board Member of Chain of Hope, and Professor Magdi Yacoub, President of Chain of Hope, for trusting me with this meaningful project. I’d also like to express my gratitude to all the board members of Chain of Hope and the charity as a whole for their extraordinary and ongoing work.