our story

  • 【2020 SUMMER】

    Yui Brooklyn started in the kitchen of Yui's home during a lockdown due to Covid-19. Initially, only tin candles were made using reused dried flowers and essential oils.

  • 【2021 SUMMER】

    Our studio was flooded by Hurricane IDA. Candles were washed away by the water and most of the packing materials and machinery were destroyed. But with the donations and support of many people, three months later we were able to fully recover.

  • 【2022 SUMMER】

    We have signed contracts with big companies like Urban Outfitters, Madewell and American Eagle. We have also started custom candle mold making service for your brand in the summer of 2022.

ABOUT YUI

I’m Yui, entrepreneur who decided to take a different route in life. 

I love to implement innovative ideas with natural materials such as soy wax, a dried flower, and an essential oil. I'm constantly looking for ways to make products more environmentally-friendly and more Kawaii which means the culture of cuteness in Japan. 

In 2016, I moved from Japan to New York with my husband. I've never been to New York before, and I've only been to California on my honeymoon.

Moving to New York, the epicenter of fashion, art and economy, was the greatest joy of my life. However, it was very difficult for me to give up my career in Japan and away from my family and friends without speaking English at all at the first time.

It was the building superintendent who talked to me everyday in my first living in New York. He taught me lots of English phrases. I remember the first word he taught me was "Yummy, yummy in my tummy!". I didn't know what that word meant though, I liked the phrase and say it as a greeting. Remember here, "Kawaii" is a Japanese word meaning Cute. The greatest joy (Spark joy!) in my life is to see and touch cute things. It was "Kawaii" which supported my difficult life in New York. Even the word "Yummy, yummy in my tummy!" was a new kawaii for me. From the time, I found New York was full of cute things.

When I found a cute pink hippo truck (I know it is Party Rental Truck!) in Manhattan, I made sure that good luck would come that day. I went to Saks fifth avenue on Fifth Avenue and played celebrity. I tried lots of clothes at a second hand store in Williamsburg and chose the best one. I wrote a secret candle recipe in my unique notebook in the world made of recycled paper. When walking through town, you always praise my trademark pink hair, my favorite clothes bought in Japan, and my graffiti-like tattoos. Your culture gave me power. I was pushed by the power of all of you and decided to express my "Kawaii" in New York with candles.

I don't speak English well, but think "Kawaii" does not needs any word. We look forward to interacting with you through candles.

▼INTERVIEW

Go Solo: Japanese Kawaii Poured Into Candles - Yui Brooklyn

SHOUTOUT LA: Meet YUI KOBAYASHI: CEO and Founder of Yui Brooklyn

WE RE CHIMMI: BROOKLYN MEETS KAWAII CULTURE