Bourg Saint Maurice - Les Arcs - In her workshop-boutique in the heart of Bourg Saint Maurice, Sarah Zafrane shapes each wax petal with the patience and precision of a goldsmith. In just two years, her brand, ZoéZenCandle, has become a unique address, where people come for much more than just a candle: a unique object, crafted on the spot and imbued with traditional know-how.
"ZoéZenCandle has been around for five years, but the shop opened just over two years ago. It's my very first business. says Sarah, who has been living in Bourg Saint Maurice.
This native of the Isère region has found the valley to be an ideal setting for expressing her passion: candles, scented or unscented, made from scratch on site, in a workshop that opens onto the sales area.
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"I create everything myself, from design to sales". she explains. What inspires her? "I don't base my recipes on local products or outside trends. It's very instinctive, almost meditative.
Original creations
The flagship product is still the candle in a container, but Sarah's creativity recently led her to launch an original collection: candles in the shape of a rose, entirely sculpted by hand. Each petal is modelled one by one, creating a delicate decorative object that has become a popular gift idea.
The clientele is varied: local residents, visitors passing through and tourists looking for original souvenirs. "Our average shopping basket is around €20 to €35, depending on the season. And yes, the festive season boosts our business, but we work well all year round. The shop is open from Monday to Saturday, a rarity for a mountain craft business.
Sarah manages the design and sales side on her own, but shares her premises with Goen, a nail specialist. "They're two different worlds, but they complement each other, giving the place a real dynamic.
Just off the high street, ZoéZenCandle is a must for anyone looking for a unique gift or a warm touch for their home. With its delicate scents, sculpted candles and warm welcome, the shop epitomises the artisan spirit of Bourg Saint Maurice: creative, independent and open to all.