Colina Bruce, MNLP, '15

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The Jones Progress Awards
RAMP-UP}

Lighting the Spark

The idea for Noir Lux Candle Bar was born during the pandemic, when Colina Bruce found herself in endless "zoom marathons." To manage the stress, she started a daily ritual of lighting candles that sparked a curiosity for candle-making.

It started in her kitchen, with just five fragrances and a simple idea. Encouraged by the positive response from friends and early customers, Colina expanded to vendor markets and virtual candle-making classes. As interest in in-person candle experiences grew, the idea of a physical candle bar came to life, leading to the opening of Noir Lux Candle Bar in February 2022.

From Stove to Store

Early in the ideation phase, Colina participated in the six-month intensive Jones Progress Awards program. After meeting specific benchmarks and working with coaches, she was awarded $10,000, which helped secure a brick-and-mortar space.

Technical and wraparound support also played a key role. The RAMP-UP program provided critical, hands-on support during the move from a kitchen-based operation to a physical storefront. Mentors from the program located the candle bar space and assisted with lease negotiations, while the guidance helped Colina manage operational costs, taxes, and financial forecasting, easing the transition to a brick-and-mortar business.

Colina emphasizes that RAMP-UP goes beyond traditional business advice. "At first, I was hesitant to ask for help, and I just didn’t know what I didn’t know, but someone from the team would regularly reach out and say, ‘Hey, is there anything you could use support with?'"

"There are so many opportunities out there, you just have to look for them and be willing to ask for help," she advises other entrepreneurs.

"Be intentional and realistic about what you can give back."

Giving Back to the Community

Colina Bruce integrates social impact into every aspect of Noir Lux Candle Bar. She created the Candles for Causes program, producing special candles to raise funds for non-profits. The business actively hires local college students and partners with the Seattle Youth Employment Program to provide summer internships.

"Your business plan isn’t set in stone, but it helps you stay grounded in your mission and priorities." She encourages sustainable community engagement, explaining, "Be intentional and realistic about what you can give back. Social impact has to be built into your business model, not just a box to check. That way, it’s meaningful and lasting."