Flowers for Your Hair: The Everlasting Charm of Malli
There’s a special charm in adorning your hair with a lush string of fresh Malli blooms, but the fleeting nature of real flowers can be a challenge. Enter Bunch of Petals, a brand that brilliantly captures this traditional beauty in exquisite jasmine-inspired hair accessories. What began in 2018 as a line for children’s ethnic wear has blossomed into a reputable name in elegant floral styling, offering the same stunning aesthetic without the worry of wilting or weather woes.
Ramya, the visionary founder, explains, “I discovered the art of flower-making from Russian artisans during my maternity leave.” Starting with a modest investment of just ₹2000, Bunch of Petals initially crafted floral headbands for children to complement their traditional attire. Today, their collection boasts a diverse array of Malli accessories designed for every hairstyle imaginable – from U pins and center pins to elegant bands, ties, alligator clips, claw clips, and even bobby pins. Perfect for a festive braid, a sophisticated bun, or a chic half-updo, these durable creations are made from imported Iranian foam, ensuring they are waterproof, color-fast, and boast an impressive shelf life of three to four years.
Beyond jasmine, Bunch of Petals also features beautiful floral accessories inspired by roses, marigolds, daffodils, and chrysanthemums. These delightful pieces are priced between ₹150 and ₹1,200.
For more, visit bunchofpetals.in
Aromas that Illuminate: Agal Candles’ Unique Offerings
Keerthika, the creative mind behind Agal Candles, embarked on a unique mission from her hometown of Thoothukudi: to craft scented candles that mirror the vibrant appearance of South Indian dishes and platters. This former web developer found her calling during lockdown, diving into Korean and Japanese tutorials, where she observed artisans recreating traditional meals in wax. “I wondered,” she recounts, “why not do the same with our own culinary heritage?” Her candles are more than just eco-friendly and fragrant; they are heartwarming homages to everyday comfort and cultural identity. “From aromatic biryani and colorful flower bouquets to savory fried rice and even an entire meal platter,” she enthuses, “anything can be transformed into a luminous candle.”
To show appreciation for her flourishing customer base in Madurai, Agal Candles unveiled a special Malli hamper for Deepavali. “Jasmine was the undeniable choice when I envisioned a creation that truly embodied Madurai,” she explains. “However, the journey wasn’t simple; I dedicated almost six months to perfecting the candle mould. After numerous attempts and refining the process, I finally achieved the desired result.”
This festive season, Agal’s collection expands with charming new themed hampers, including Sandalwood (Mahilam), Crackers, Sweet Box, and Lotus Pond. But Agal’s Deepavali hampers aren’t limited to just candles; they can be customized to include delightful items like wardrobe fresheners, elegant jar candles, traditional diyas, and refreshing car diffusers. The brand prides itself on crafting personalized hampers that perfectly align with each customer’s unique tastes, moving beyond standard, pre-made selections.
You can find their beautiful creations on Instagram @agal_candles.
The Essence of Fragrance: Secret Alchemist’s Madurai Jasmine Perfume
Secret Alchemist presents its exquisite Madurai Jasmine Clear Perfume, a fragrance celebrated for its delicate yet enduring aroma. This captivating scent opens with the bright notes of orange blossom, gracefully transitions into the rich heart of Indian jasmine, and finally settles into a warm, comforting base of Madagascar vanilla. The perfume is a highlight of The Alchemy Discovery, a specialized collection dedicated to the therapeutic power of scent. Notably, it has garnered acclaim as a favorite of actress Samantha.
The complete Alchemy Discovery set features three distinct perfumes, each presented in a convenient 10 ml vial. This curated collection includes Madurai Jasmine, Rose Oud, and Bergamot Nostalgia. Crafted with pure essential oils, these portable and delightful fragrances make for an ideal and thoughtful gift this festive season.
Discover more at secretalchemist.com.