UNIVERSUM = Universe | Versatility
Universum means “Universe” in Estonian.
To me, the Universe represents endless possibilities. There are no limits to creativity, and candle making is exactly that. With nothing more than wax, fragrance, colour and imagination, you can create almost anything. Every new idea is a challenge, but that’s exactly what I love most about the process.
That’s why our motto is:
“There are no limits to creation in this UNIVERSE.”
The name UNIVERSUM also represents versatility
I’ve never been drawn to making ordinary single-pour candles that fill the shelves of retail stores. I love creating something unexpected. I enjoy challenging myself and constantly experimenting with new techniques, shapes and designs.
That’s what led me to specialise in 3D candles. Today, UNIVERSUM is home to a growing collection of unique sculptural candles, each designed to be a little piece of art.
Inspired by rural life and nature
Every UNIVERSUM candle tells a story.
Some are inspired by the farm animals that surround me every day. Others capture Australia’s incredible ocean life, native botanicals or the plants growing in my own garden. Every collection begins with something that has inspired me personally.
One day, while watching my ten pet sheep wandering around the paddock, I caught myself wondering:
“I wonder if I could turn the story of my backyard into candles.”
That simple thought became the WOOLLY WANDERERS collection.
My love for succulents inspired another collection. My garden is filled with dozens of different varieties, and I couldn’t stop imagining how beautiful they would look as candles. That’s how SUCCULENT OASIS came to life.
And that’s how every UNIVERSUM collection begins - with curiosity, inspiration and the belief that there are no limits to creation.
About UNIVERSUM
Discover our story and meet the maker
Story Behind UNIVERSUM
Meet Katherine
Founder & CEO
Hi! I’m Katherine, the face behind UNIVERSUM.
I was born in Estonia and moved to Australia in my early twenties. Seven years later, Australia has truly become home. I absolutely love farm life and have been living and working on a sheep and grain farm full-time for the past five years. I share this life with my partner, Gert, who is also a huge support behind UNIVERSUM. Together we built our tiny farm, where we have pet sheep, chickens and ducks, along with a garden full of plants that constantly inspire new candle designs.
I’ve been obsessed with candles for as long as I can remember.
My first real fascination with candles began when I was a little girl. Our family home experienced a power outage that lasted an entire week, and every evening was lit only by candlelight. There was something magical about the warm glow and cosy atmosphere that has stayed with me ever since.
My passion grew even stronger during a school excursion to an Estonian candle manufacturer. Watching candles being made fascinated me, and I remember thinking, one day I want to have my own candle business.
Years passed, and life brought me to Australia. Before long, I realised I was spending a ridiculous amount of money on candles. That’s when the idea of making my own started growing in the back of my mind.
One day, a friend showed me how she made candles at home. I was hooked instantly. I remember thinking, this is it. This is the sign I’ve been waiting for. I bought my first supplies and started experimenting, learning everything I could about candle making.
In July 2022, I poured my very first candles.
A year and a half later, I sold my very first collection and created the Instagram account for UNIVERSUM.
And that’s where this beautiful journey truly began.