A closer look, however, reveals this local delicacy is actually a handcrafted scented candle, creatively designed and sculpted by Nurul Nadia Rashid, the founder of the Candlenuts brand.
This work of art was crafted using 2kg of wax scraps collected and returned by her customers in Semenyih, Selangor, and was completed in just two days.
“These are not for sale but were specially created as tokens of appreciation for our loyal customers. It also helps us minimise wax waste,” she told Bernama recently.
She elaborated: “Sometimes, if I have leftover wax, I create special gifts for customers who purchase our scented candles worth RM150 and above during my TikTok live sessions.”
The 35-year-old shared that, in addition to dessert-inspired candles, she has crafted various other designs including pies, flowers and rainbows.
The holder of a degree in veterinary medicine said she learnt the ropes of candle sculpting by watching YouTube. Each creation is made spontaneously, driven by her creativity, often during her live sessions on TikTok.
“When working with wax, you need to act quickly because it hardens easily. Wax can only be sculpted at the right consistency – not too liquid or too hard – to ensure it can be shaped properly and yields a neat result.
“I usually advise customers to send at least 1kg of wax scraps,” said Nadia, who also offers custom gift and souvenir-making services.
Offering products made from palm wax, Candlenuts’ organic scented candles come in various fragrances, such as Blackcurrant & Peony, Romantic Sunset, English Garden, and Lychee Watermelon.
The Tapah, Perak-born entrepreneur shared that it all started as a passion, which then evolved into a hobby, and eventually became her primary source of income.
“I started selling candles on a small scale in 2016 before making the decision to quit my job as a vet in 2019 to fully dedicate myself to this business.
“As a veterinarian, I was often exposed to unpleasant odours in the clinic, so when I came home, I wanted something fragrant and calming,” she explained.
Her home-based operation quickly expanded, allowing her to rent four shop lots in 2020. Two years later, her hard work paid off when she successfully established Malaysia’s first bumiputera-owned scented-candle factory in Batu Pahat, Johor.
“My dream is to bring Candlenuts products into offline retail markets, similar to brands like Bath & Body Works or Jo Malone, within the next 10 years,” Nurul said.
Learn more via the Candlenuts website, as well as on Instagram and TikTok.