Jules + Gem

Jules + Gem Hawaii owner and founder Lana Gronwald was always fond of candles for as long as she can remember. Lana first tried her first hand at candle making after her husband purchased a candle kit for date night. The two followed the directions and molded their first candles but unfortunately, it didn't work out very well. According to her, they looked horrible and the fragrance was very faint. After that, they decided that maybe they were just meant to buy pre-made candles. 

Then one day, Lana decided to go for a second attempt and surprisingly, it went well. After doing some research and through trial and error, she perfected her candles to what you see–and smell–today.  For the local candle maker, the process is relaxing and the thought of her tropical-inspired candles burning in different places around the world makes her smile. 

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Lana wanted her candles to be reflective of her island home. During the years she spent away from home, she always found herself longing to go back. She missed the ocean, the sand between her toes and most of all, the food! Growing up in the islands, food was always a part of every activity–eating guava and lilikoi right off the trails while hiking, cold pineapple and mango at the beach, and eating home-cooked meals with family. These flavors from Lana’s childhood inspired the fragrances she chose to highlight in her candles and other scented home accessories.  For kama‘aina (Hawai‘i residents) who leave Hawaii, she hopes that her candles bring them joy and evoke memories of being home.  

Today, the Honolulu brand’s Victoria Collection features its top fruit fragrances: Guava Nectar, Passion Fruit + Mint, Mango + Papaya, and also has a collection of floral fragrances including its White Gardenia, Pakalana and Puakenikeni. It continues to add new products to as well such as perfume rollers, reed diffusers, car fresheners and much more. 

How they give back:

As a mom and woman with humble beginnings, owner Lana is wholeheartedly committed to giving back. She vigorously supports education, positive influence, and mentoring efforts for the youth of our community, actively mentoring other rising entrepreneurs. As an animal lover, she also supports many organizations that help find permanent homes for animals and rescue animals from abuse.

Additionally, the Jules + Gem Hawaii team consistently collaborates with its fellow Hawai‘i-based brands, elevating the presence of other local businesses owners. Through its recent collaboration with Dolkii, they were able to support the Women's Fund of Hawaii as the proceeds from its Dolkii Paradise fragrance collection benefited the local foundation, which aims to promote innovative, grassroots programs that empower women and girls statewide. Previously, the brand has also donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Hawaiian Humane Society, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, various public schools and Komen Hawaii.