Elena took her first candle workshop in 2021 as a birthday present. After the workshop, she realized asian-scented candles didn’t exist yet so she started making her own. Since gift-giving is her love language, she started giving the candles to her family and friends as unique, handmade gifts.

Little Lunar was created in 2025 to share her candles with others in her hometown, Chicago. Her scents are inspired by her memories growing up as a Vietnamese-American in Chicago. More specifically, the Viet Iced Coffee candle is based on the memory of her late father making Vietnamese coffee every morning. She has learned that candles are more than just an every object, but a vessel for human connection and nostalgia. Extending beyond candles, Little Lunar offers whipped soaps as well.