Emera Remedios walks us through her brand Mirasha, which offers the perfect blend of artistry and fragrance in her handcrafted products
Emera Remedios has successfully combined her passion for creativity with a commitment to sustainable living through her growing business, Mirasha, which specialises in handcrafted candles and soaps. With a solid academic background, including a law degree (L.L.B.), Emera’s journey has been a remarkable blend of personal growth, family dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
After taking a hiatus from her professional career to focus on her children’s formative years, Emera sought a way to reignite her creative spark while remaining present in her children’s lives. “While I cherished every moment with my children, I knew I wanted to pursue something that aligned with my passion,” Emera explains. Her journey into soap-making began five years ago when she attended a workshop, crafting delightful soaps in unique-shaped molds for her children. The enthusiastic response from family and friends inspired her to explore this newfound passion further.
Emera launched her first pop-up stall at St. Xavier’s College during their WordsUp event, where her products garnered immediate acclaim. This success motivated her to expand her offerings to include candles, leading to the birth of Mirasha – a brand celebrated for its diverse range of bath products, as well as decorative and scented candles.
A key differentiator for Mirasha is its commitment to quality and sustainability. Emera emphasizes that her soaps are free from sulfates, parabens, and SLS, utilizing bases sourced from registered and certified suppliers. Similarly, her candles are crafted from premium, high-quality wax procured from reputable sources outside of Goa.
With over 300 unique varieties, Emera’s collection features an array of designs, including themed candles and soaps for holidays such as Christmas and Diwali, as well as whimsical options like mermaid and unicorn shapes. Emera offers an impressive array of candle designs, including those crafted in traditional urlis, wooden bowls, terracotta pots, and vases.
Her themed collections feature a variety of unique candles and soaps tailored for special occasions such as Christmas and Diwali. Notable items include motichoor and kaju katli candles, as well as sweets-inspired designs like pedha, jalebi, rasmalai, gajar ka halwa, and coconut laddoo. She also creates specialty products such as coffee candles, succulent candles, and sea shell-themed candles, alongside Goa-inspired soaps and candles. Her offerings also encompass wax scent sachets, wax melts, and an extensive range of other bath and beauty products.
Her attention to detail extends to her curated hampers, which are themed according to various events throughout the year, showcasing a commitment to creativity and thoughtful gifting. “I strategically plan my annual hamper collection by selecting a specific theme and color scheme for each event. For instance, my Christmas hampers feature Christmas tree and snowflake candles, along with gingerbread and snowman soaps, all beautifully packaged in eco-friendly boxes adorned with handmade décor or customised to meet customer preferences. For Teacher’s Day, I offer a charming tea light paired with a heartfelt thank-you note, elegantly presented in an attractive package. Birthday hampers are tailored to align with individual themes, ensuring a personalised touch. For Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, my Indian sweet-themed candle boxes are particularly popular as thoughtful gifting options,” Emera explains.
Emera’s entrepreneurial journey has gained traction not just in Goa but also internationally. A notable highlight was when client Juwel Gomes requested a unique Goa-inspired gift for celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. “Juwel planned a trip to New York City with the intention of dining at Chef Vikas Khanna’s renowned restaurant, Bungalow. Aware of Khanna’s affinity for sunflowers and roses, as showcased on his social media, I curated a selection of candles featuring these flowers, crafted in coconut shells to reflect the essence of Goa. Juwel presented these candles to Khanna during her visit, and he was delighted, lighting them around his personalized restaurant plates.” The candles were well-received, enhancing Mirasha’s reputation beyond Indian shores.
Despite her success, Emera faces challenges common in the small business landscape. “Market saturation and the need for constant innovation are ongoing hurdles,” she acknowledges. Additionally, sourcing raw materials can be problematic, as many essential components must be procured from outside Goa. Strategic planning is crucial, especially during peak seasons like Diwali and Christmas when demand surges.
Sustainability is a core tenet of Emera’s business philosophy. She collaborates with local artisans and suppliers, which not only supports the local economy but also reduces transportation emissions. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in her use of eco-friendly materials and local resources, such as terracotta pots and coconut shells. Balancing her entrepreneurial endeavours with family life requires meticulous planning and a robust support system. Emera credits her family – especially her mother and husband – for their unwavering emotional and practical support. “My husband plays an essential role, assisting with logistics and encouraging self-care, which is vital for managing the demands of entrepreneurship,” she shares. Involving her children in her business also imparts valuable lessons about responsibility and creativity, further enriching their family life.
Looking ahead, Emera embraces the journey with patience and optimism. “It’s a gradual process, and I’m enjoying every moment. I place my trust in the Almighty and hope that each day brings new opportunities,” she reflects. Exciting new products and collaborations are on the horizon, and Emera is eager to share them with her growing clientele. Emera exemplifies how passion, creativity, and sustainability can converge to create a successful business. Her dedication to quality, community, and family ensures that Mirasha will continue to thrive in an ever-evolving market.
