About Us
Dynamic Duo
Ray, a boundless medic, and Colin, a mischievous tattoo artist (and self-proclaimed legal pirate) from South Korea, are the creative minds behind Apollo Ipsum (uh-POL-oh IP-sum).
From production to art, marketing, customer service, and our engaging newsletters, we are the people driving the brand forward.
The Beginning of Something Special
Apollo Ipsum was born from the vision of Ray and Colin, who started their journey in a humble kitchen. What began as a passion for creating unique candles soon grew into something much bigger. From hand-pouring wax in the kitchen to moving operations to the garage, every step was fueled by dedication and a drive to create something extraordinary.
As their creations gained popularity, so did their ambition. Today, Apollo Ipsum proudly operates from its own candle studio, with locations in both London and Wales. Despite the growth, the essence of what started in that small kitchen remains the same—a commitment to craftsmanship, artistry, and quality in every candle we make.
Our journey is far from over, and we’re excited to continue this adventure with you by our side.
Our Passion
At Apollo Ipsum, our passion goes far beyond candles. It’s about creating art—art that speaks to us, that moves us, and that we want to share with the world. We are proud to have a family of artists and sculptors based both in London and South Korea, including Colin, who studied at a tattoo school in South Korea and specializes in old-school art. For us, showcasing art is more than just a goal; it’s a necessity. From the very beginning, it was always about making art that resonates deeply with us.
We are drawn to the dark, mysterious, and gothic—a love for the shadows, even though we may not always look the part. It’s a side of us that fuels everything we do. Our candles aren’t just about light—they’re about capturing the essence of what we find intriguing and beautiful. Every piece of art we create, or collaborate on, is meant to stir something within the viewer, evoke an emotion, or make them feel part of something unique.
We also have a deep appreciation for scents and the power of aromatherapy. As a medic, Ray has experienced the daunting, sterile scents of hospitals. Coming home to a space filled with beautiful, calming fragrances is a way to reset the mind and change the mood. Whether it’s a soothing aroma to wind down after a long day or an uplifting scent to energize your home, we believe that the right fragrance can transform any space.
At Apollo Ipsum, we create more than just candles—we create experiences, stories, and an atmosphere that connects art, scent, and emotion in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and always creative.
The Development
What makes Apollo Ipsum truly unique is our constant pursuit of innovation—new art, new collaborations, and new creations. We're not satisfied with simply creating a product and leaving it at that. Instead, we strive to evolve and transform, constantly developing our work to ensure that the candle you purchased a couple of years ago has either been refined, reimagined, or even turned into a completely new piece of art.
Our ethos is rooted in the belief that art is ever-changing, always moving, and always evolving.
As Pablo Picasso once said,
"Every act of creation is first an act of destruction."
This quote perfectly encapsulates our approach. We don’t just want to create static pieces; we want to push boundaries, break expectations, and create something that grows alongside us. Our journey as artists and candle makers is a constant process of transformation, where we continuously develop and refine our craft.
Following our journey isn’t just about supporting a business—it’s about joining us as we evolve and grow. It’s about witnessing the transformation of each creation, supporting new ideas, and helping us develop not just as makers, but as artists. As we continue to innovate and push the limits of what we can do, we hope to inspire you, our supporters, to grow with us, but most importantly, create products you come to love over and over again.
Clean Ingredients...We Promise
- Paraben Free
- Sulphate Free
- PEG Free
- 100% Organic Soy Candle
- Non-Bleached Cotton Wick
The list goes on... As a qualified pharmacist and graduate medic, we understand the dangers of toxic chemicals. Since we use our products in our homes and give them to our family and friends, we are committed to offering only the highest quality products. This starts with premium ingredients—no compromises. We want you to enjoy the benefits of our candles without the risks associated with traditional paraffin-based and toxic scented candles on the market.
Loved By Many!
A Brand We Are Proud to Have Created
Apollo Ipsum is a brand we are deeply proud to say we created. From the very beginning, every step of our journey—starting with the initial spark of an idea to the unique creations we bring to life—has been driven by our passion, dedication, and commitment to art. Our brand is built on creativity, collaboration, and a constant drive for evolution. It's a reflection of who we are as artists, makers, and individuals.
We take great pride in working closely with our customers to ensure the best experience possible. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps us refine our process, improve our offerings, and grow in ways we never anticipated. We don’t shy away from mistakes; instead, we embrace them as learning opportunities. Each mistake is a stepping stone towards improvement, and we’re constantly evolving to better serve you.
We are grateful for every moment of this journey and the incredible people we’ve met along the way. We’re excited for what’s yet to come, knowing that with each new creation, each new collaboration, we continue to grow—not just as a business, but as artists who are dedicated to making something meaningful.