About

  • I’m Gradie, originally from Drogheda but have been based in Drumcondra for the last couple of years. :)

    I first started making candles as a small business between 2020 and 2022. I loved every bit of it, but when I began working full-time in the tourism industry, I had to put the business on hold. After a few years of pushing myself too far and reaching a stage of stressed-out-all-round-mess, I realised I needed to give myself a break and some space to refocus.

    In September 2025, I left my job and started a 200-hour yoga teacher training (graduated as of March 2026). During that time, I knew I wanted to get back into something creative, a bit more meaningful, and a little less stressed-out-autopilot.

    I missed making candles, and I also wanted to explore how to weave yoga into my work in a way that felt natural. And that’s where Light & Align began!

    Everything I make is handmade at home, mostly a one woman show, but of course roping in family and friends for a little help occasionally… :)

  • The name comes from the two things at the heart of the brand idea: Light = candles, Align = yoga.

    My unintentional motto has become ‘a little bit hippie, a little bit practical’; colourful without being over the top, chilled out but not overly woo-woo, thoughtful without trying to be perfect.

    I wanted to create products that felt natural and easy to fit into everyday life, while also reflecting a bit of personality and the 60s/70s hippie-ish vibe I love. Essentially, products that I would look for in shops for myself. :)

    I’m still figuring out exactly where Light & Align will go but to be honest that’s part of the point!

  • For now, Light & Align focuses on handmade home fragrance products, while I build confidence and practice as a yoga teacher. Over time, I hope to offer yoga classes, workshops and possibly candle-making experiences too (no promises!)

    Everything is made in small batches at home, with care and as eco-conscious as possible.

    The candles:

    • Are made from a coconut & rapeseed wax blend

    • With phthalate-free fragrance oils (learn more here)

    • And come in glass jars (I’m working on a refill option, watch this space).

    Wax melts are in recyclable paper bags. Posting materials include compostable peanuts and paper packing tape, and overall I try to use as little plastic as possible.

    I’m mindful of the huge amount of mass-produced waste in the world, and sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in doing everything “right.” I know that candles aren’t necessities, but if you’re in a position to treat yourself or someone else, you can feel good knowing these ones are:

    • Slowly produced

    • Made with a lot of care and love

    • Created with the environment in mind

    It’s not perfect, but it’s thoughtful and intentional… and for now I’m happy with that. :)