In 2017, amidst the vibrant chaos of Beirut, a transformative journey began.
It all started with a life-changing encounter that ignited a deep friendship
and enabled a childhood dream with profound meaning.

​

The bustling streets of Beirut painted a picture of contrasts—vibrant yet challenging, full of life yet shadowed by struggles. Amongst its vibrant chaos a transformative journey began.

Amadeus spent six weeks in the heart of the Middle East. While Europe grappled with a “refugee crisis”, he immersed himself in Lebanese culture, discovering the strength and resilience of its people. While Amadeus lived and worked in a home for teenagers, he experienced a world where doors were always open, meals were shared generously, and connections ran deep. By the end of his stay, two words echoed in his heart: “humbling hospitality.”

​

​It was during this time that an extraordinary friendship took root. Luke, a spirited and ambitious local, and Amadeus, an eager mentor from afar, found common ground in laughter-filled conversations, playing football and mutual curiosity. It all began with a light-hearted comment in the school bus: “One day, I want to meet Lionel Messi,” Luke said. Amadeus replied with a grin, “Then you’ll need to learn Spanish first!” From that moment, Spanish lessons became their bridge. But much more importantly, they began talking about life’s possibilities, shared stories, and planted seeds of a friendship that would weather years and distance.

​

Fast forward to 2023, a time of severe turmoil for Lebanon. For three consecutive years, the country faced hyperinflation exceeding 80%, compounded by growing political instability. During another visit, Luke and Amadeus talked about the challenges to become economically independent in a region where opportunities are scarce and the looming political conflicts dreadful. Luke shared a childhood dream he had carried for years, one that had always seemed too distant to reach: “I’ve always wanted to make candles.” While talking about this dream, Luke even found an old, simple drawing of a candle he had made years back.

The simplicity of the dream struck a chord. To Luke, candles were more than wax and wick—they symbolized warmth, renewal, and light in darkness. As they talked, another idea sparked: the pressing need for glass recycling in Lebanon, where glass waste often causes wildfires. A bold vision began to form—What if they combined Luke’s dream with upcycling glass bottles to craft premium scented candles for the Swiss market?

​

What started as a flicker quickly grew into a flame. Their mission became clear: “Crafting premium scented candles that illuminate lives and empower communities.” 

 

It wasn’t just about candles anymore. It was about creating opportunities, embracing sustainability, and bridging cultures.

And so, LEMARA was born—a brand infused with the spirit of a friendship forged in Beirut, a dream reignited, and a purpose to light paths far beyond where it all began.​​