The Story Behind Lófinda Luxury on Butternomics

By Modupe Babalola, Founder of Lófinda Luxury

Before I walked into West Elm with my candles, I spent months teaching myself how to make them.

That beginning is part of the story I share on Butternomics: The Business of Culture, an iHeartPodcasts show hosted by Brandon Butler. I joined Brandon and my Chase for Business coach, Xama Gonzalez-Suarez, for a conversation about building Lófinda Luxury, finding retail opportunities, and learning how to grow a business with intention.

It started with a personal need

I loved burning candles, but the headaches I experienced with some of the candles I used led me to pay closer attention to what I was bringing into my home. I began researching candle making and teaching myself through videos and hands-on practice. That curiosity eventually became Lófinda Luxury.

Fragrance already held a special place in my life. Growing up, I watched my mother, Kemi, make perfume part of her daily routine. Her relationship with scent stayed with me and helped shape the experience I wanted to create for others.

Today, I make coconut–soy candles in beautiful, refillable vessels, with the hope that lighting one becomes a reason to pause and make time for yourself.

Walking in and asking opened a door

One of the stories we discuss in the episode is my first approach to West Elm in Buckhead. I brought my products into the store, introduced myself, and asked about an opportunity to set up. That conversation led to six pop-ups.

I hope that part of the conversation encourages someone who has been waiting to introduce their work. Preparing your product matters. So does giving people the chance to see it.

Since those early steps, Lófinda’s journey has included pop-ups at retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, along with a retail partnership at the Waldorf Astoria Spa in Buckhead. Each opportunity has given me another way to introduce people to the collection and the care behind it.

Learning how to support the growth

Xama also joins us to discuss the business side of entrepreneurship and the support available through Chase’s Coaching for Impact program. Having guidance as I build Lófinda has helped me look more closely at the decisions that support its growth.

For anyone building a business, that is an important part of the conversation. Making something you believe in is a beginning. Learning how to sustain it takes continued attention, and asking for support belongs in that process.

The purpose behind every pour

My Nigerian-American heritage is woven into Lófinda. The name means scented or perfume in Yoruba, and our scent names carry meanings I want people to bring into their everyday lives, including Alaafia for Peace, Farabale for Calm, and Ireti for Hope.

I created this brand with busy women in mind, especially those who spend so much of their time caring for everyone else. A quiet evening at home or a few minutes away from your phone can be a place to begin. Our refillable vessels let you keep a piece you love and return to that ritual.

I am grateful to Brandon, Xama, and the iHeartPodcasts team for making space for this conversation. To everyone who has bought a candle, visited a pop-up, or introduced Lófinda to someone new, thank you. Your support has helped me keep building.

Listen to the full conversation

Tune in to How To Get Your Product Into Major Retailers With Modupe Babalola on iHeart or Apple Podcasts. I hope you leave feeling more connected to Lófinda and encouraged to take the next step toward something you believe in.

When you are ready for a moment of your own, explore the Lófinda Luxury candle collection and find the scent you would like to make part of your day.

Pour Into Yourself.