This week we introduce you to Anahita a multitalented creative living in Auckland. Photographer, turned candle maker, she and her partner Nathan started Naaytu a homewares brand with big plans.

We had the pleasure of getting to know Anahita while working on an exciting hej hej x Naaytu collaboration launching 15 June. Stay tuned, we think this limited edition will sell out quickly. 

Tell us about Naaytu Candles, why you created this bizzo.

This one isn't the most interesting answer hehe, but I'm a photographer and in lockdown I felt my creativity slowly dwindling. So I said to Nathan, we should buy a few moulds and make candles and it all just went from there. What started as a covid craft, quickly turned into me being able to photograph and explore our creative vision in a way that inspired us. We've also always been homebodies, just two people who love art design and dressing up our home to inspire us. So Naaytu just sort of organically grew from there. A little personal project turned business to bring colour into homes and showcase all the handmade wares out there

What’s the best damn thing about doing what you do?

Being self-employed and being creative EVERYDAY! I love being able to set up my own routine, some days I'm in my pjs pouring candles at 10am, other days I'm up at 6am to chase the best light for our photos! I just LOVE being able to be inspired every single day in what I do, whether it's rummaging old coffee table books, thinking up a new candle shape, or working on exciting collaborations with brands I love (like hej hej) and being part of a community of incredible artists & makers.

You’re wearing the Heart Sleeves Knit in Marshmallow, don’t you just love it? Tell us why you love it.