Alexandra Bucalae: The Art of Unique Botanical Candles for Weddings and Christenings

Alexandra Bucalae has been creating unique candles in Romania for 5 years, decorated with cryogenated natural hydrangeas. Initially just out of passion, but over time, the art of combining different types of wax, scented oils, and stabilized flowers evolved into a business called June Space.

C&B: Alexandra, can you describe your work?

Alexandra: I create botanical candles with a unique design in Romania, meaning candles made from natural wax, decorated with stabilized/cryogenated flowers. They are decorative and for events, and another special thing about them is that after the natural wax interior melts, the exterior decorated with flowers remains intact, creating a lamp-like effect.

C&B: What is the story of your evolution?

Alexandra: I am an actress by profession, and during the pandemic, when artistic projects were put on hold, I felt the need to create something. I started with decorative candles in various shapes and eventually transitioned to botanical candles with a much more sophisticated structure.

C&B: What were your childhood/teenage visions, and what are they now?

Alexandra: As a child, I wanted to become a fashion designer. I was passionate about colors and making eclectic clothing combinations. This passion has now turned into creating unique color combinations, but with flowers, and my love for combining clothing items from very different styles is still present. When I was little, I enjoyed reciting poems, dancing, and performing little artistic moments in the family, which led me to pursue an artistic career in theater, film, and television, which I have practiced with great love and dedication. Now, in my business, everything I know about public speaking helps me promote myself online, and speaking in front of the camera is a huge asset.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to start your business?

Alexandra: I’ve always wanted to have a project of my own, where I wouldn’t depend on anyone and could make decisions on my own regarding the products, the look of the business, and the way I interact with customers. When I realized I enjoyed making candles, I started posting online, and people began asking me for details and ordering scented candles. One client asked if I could make a baptism candle. I said, why not, let’s try. It worked, and from then on, the business naturally developed this strong event side. So, almost by itself, one of my dreams came true.

C&B: What life and work principles do you follow?

Alexandra: Always smile! Don’t stop, especially when you think you’re stuck. Believe in your work and in yourself!

C&B: Have the pandemic or economic crises affected your work?

Alexandra: They actually triggered it. I remember very well the moment when everything stopped. We were all running in different directions, it was chaos everywhere, and I distinctly remember telling my husband I wished everything would just pause for a while, the whole planet. We laughed. Then, from that global PAUSE, I created the most beautiful project of my life. The pandemic didn’t bring me down; it actually brought me peace.

C&B: Can you tell us any funny situations from your work?

Alexandra: Honestly, working alone, funny situations don’t happen very often. Also, my clients are preparing the most beautiful and significant events in their lives (weddings and christenings), so it’s not a joke with them. Choosing candles is a very serious decision. I know this because I’ve been a bride, and I remember how important every detail was.

C&B: If you were facing a potential client, partner, or employer, what phrase would you use to convince them?

Alexandra: Wedding and christening candles with a unique design in Romania, and I dare say, even in Europe.

C&B: What advice would you give to those starting out or uncertain?

Alexandra: Take the first step, then the next, and keep going. Don’t let the grandeur of your idea overwhelm you.

C&B: What is your opinion about society and its evolution?

Alexandra: Oh, I think it’s hard to have a simple, one-paragraph opinion in our era on something so complex. I believe that society in Romania, despite some completely normal slip-ups, is headed in the right direction. We Romanians are very connected to global trends, but we also maintain our authenticity. We are not easily deceived by every wave. Every society of each era has its struggles, challenges, but also a lot of beauty. I trust everything that comes from the heart; no matter how fascinated we are by the mirage of technology, I believe that humanity will always need handmade objects, human interaction, shared emotion, and love in all its forms. At the same time, it’s wonderful that we get to witness the evolution of AI and how it influences our lives.