“AT the end of the day, it’s all about purpose.”
So says Ross McKenzie, 32, who has used his history with substance abuse to create his new business.
Originally from Aberdeen, McKenzie has recently launched Nera Luxury Candles following years of struggle with drugs and alcohol.
On the surface, the new company is dedicated to selling handcrafted candles, but it also aims to raise awareness and support around the critical issue of addiction.
Each of the six candles currently available represents different words associated with recovery – Acceptance, Courage, Connection, Resilience, Reflection and Gratitude.
Speaking to The National, McKenzie explained: “I grew up in Aberdeen, my mum was a single parent and like a lot of young Scottish kids, I got into drinking alcohol at a young age.
“I was quite shy and I found it gave me confidence. I felt I could be myself and that sort of quickly turned into a dependency.”
He further added that he reached a point where he “couldn’t socialise” without alcohol and found himself using other substances including cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.
“My life spiralled downhill. I couldn’t control my substance use and by the age of 22 I was hooked on heroin,” he said.
Travelling abroad
McKenzie says that he entered short rehab programmes in Scotland a couple of times but that they unfortunately didn’t work.
“It got the drugs out my system but it didn’t change behaviours or get to the root issue of why I was taking drugs in the first place,” he says.
Everything changed though when his mother took a trip to Italy to visit a relative living out there.
She pointed to the San Patrignano Community programme, which focuses on work and requires individuals to be substance-free and off any substitute medications before they could even be accepted as residents.
On his website, McKenzie explains: “The holistic approach to rehabilitation, vocational training and community support provided the foundation for my recovery.
“My time there not only helped be build resilience and get along with others, but taught me the importance of engaging in meaningful work and taking pride in what you do.”
Overall, he spent the best part of four years living in Italy before returning to Scotland, where he has now launched his new candle business.
Launching a business
McKenzie has kept close to his roots with his new business, explaining that the candles are made by a company in Aberdeen.
They come to him unbranded and he has now launched six candles, all of which are associated with recovery.
The company name Nera is Italian for black – a nod to his connection to Italy and his own personal journey in founding the company.
Signature scents include lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary as well as a blend of Scots pine cedarwood and neroli.
While McKenzie is of course hoping each product sells well, there’s one in particular that stands out for him.
“I think gratitude is the most important for me. The scent itself seems to be really popular and it’s something that I like,” he says.
Specifically, the Gratitude candle (below) contains hints of vanilla, ginger and mandarin.
“It’s about the simple things, having a home, being clean and not thinking about where I’ll get money or drugs.
“In the Italian model I went through, it was very focused on work, on waking up every day and having a purpose, having something to get up for.
“It’s about making a difference in the world and having structure to your day – taking pride in what you do.”
Click HERE for more information on Nera Luxury Candles.
