Meet Linda Takano, the owner of Lulumiére in Seattle’s University District. Linda opened Lulumiére’s brick and mortar in October 2021, but she’s been running her hand-poured soy wax candle and shower steamer business since 2013. Scent has always been an important part of Linda’s life, and she loves the mix of science and art in candle pouring. Every candle sold at Lulumiére is more than just a candle — it’s made with intention. She includes essential oils in each candle, in the hopes of encouraging renewal and mindfulness.
Bonus: Ask Linda about her candle refill service! You can bring in clean, empty vessels — from your Target candles to empty bouillon jars — refill them with fresh scents, and save about 30%!
Get to know more about Lulumiére and Linda in this week’s business spotlight Q&A.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your favorite part about the community your business is in and why?
Generally, I feel very lucky to be a maker in this time in Seattle, because I feel really embraced. It’s a really good time to be a local creative. In terms of this neighborhood, I’m new to the neighborhood. […] All of my neighbors have been so welcoming and kind. I am still getting to learn the neighborhood around me a little bit, but so far, I think people feel very happy to have a candle and gift shop. Maybe because it’s the holidays, haha. I just feel very well received. And I feel very lucky for that too.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest/craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
You can kind of candle whatever [shape] you want. And most of the time I’ve stuck to normal things. I have tried to candle some things that weren’t successful. They actually worked as candles but they were not popular. I’ve tried, like, weird shaped coffee mugs that I thought were gonna be smash successes. I think it’s a very niche market.
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
For shopping, I would go to Station 7 any day. Partly because Lauren is so thoughtful about how she runs her business, how she gives, how she stocks her store. I love her, I love her podcast. I am discovering the food around me, because I almost always forget to bring lunch. So I’m very good friends now with Amazing Thai Cuisine, [which is] two doors down, and Taste of India. And Timeless Tea for my afternoon Boba break. […] I’m still looking forward to discovering more around me.