How Zulah Incense Began: The Founder's Story Behind the Name

Zulah is a Canadian incense company based in Markham, Ontario. I’m Indi, the founder. I left a corporate career in gold mining and started Zulah in June 2020. Our incense sticks are hand-dipped in Sri Lanka, where my parents were born. This is the story of the five clues that led me here, and where the name Zulah comes from.

Is this as good as it gets?
There must be more.
What should I do?

These were just a few questions I had as I sat at my corporate office desk job at a gold mining company.

Don't get me wrong, the corporate job was well-paying, offered security, and the company treated me like gold (no pun intended!).

But my soul was whispering to me, "There is more for you".

But what?

Clue #1: Sandalwood incense at our family altar

My father had a dream of coming to Toronto. I was born in Toronto to Sri Lankan parents who immigrated to Canada in 1966. Growing up in Northern Ontario, we had a small altar where we would light sandalwood incense in honour of Lord Buddha. The prayers were recited like every good Sinhalese girl. Lighting a stick of incense and chanting the prayers were instilled in us as young children. Another clue.

Clue #2: My father’s import business and my stamp collection

My father dabbled in the import business when I was small and would receive correspondence from all over the world adorned with beautiful stamps. My passion for stamp collecting and my curiosity for the world at large were ignited. All those colourful stamps spoke of history and adventure. Another clue.

Clue #3: Where the name Zulah comes from

When my daughter was 2 years old, I would tell her about Princess Zulah and the mischief she would get into. The Princess had long blonde hair and was always a year older than my daughter. If her hair was tangled, I would tell her a story of Princess Zulah and how she had to get her haircut because there were so many knots in her long blonde hair (haha!). Years later, Princess Zulah gave my business its name. Another clue. 

Clue #4: A wooden incense holder in Gran Canaria

I had the privilege of working overseas for two years in Gran Canaria, Spain. A few of the expats and I would scour the markets for incense. For any Lavender incense lover, finding that perfect fragrance is like magic! One day at the Centro Comercial Las Terrazas, I found a beautiful wooden incense holder. It was shaped as a rectangle and deep enough to hold the ash of at least 25 sticks! This was the inspiration for our mahogany incense holder. Another clue.

Clue #5: Jasmine incense from Sri Lanka

Now in their elderly age, my parents are snowbirds and travel back to Sri Lanka for a few months every year. They always ask me, "What would you like us to bring back?" My response was always, "A few packets of jasmine incense." Another clue.

Leaving the corporate world

In April 2019, I was restless with my corporate job, I needed a change. One Tuesday morning in April, I was brushing my teeth and asked Spirit, "How do I ask for a package?" The "package" I was looking for was a mutual agreement to leave the company that changed the course of my life, and ask for compensation to start a new chapter. At 9:35 a.m., the opportunity came, and eight months later, I left the corporate world and didn't look back.

How the clues came together

There are small moments in life when you string them together, and it all makes sense. 

My love for incense, guiding, and coaching others through their journey. 

Princess Zulah storytelling led to the business name.

My stamp collection, which started 40 years prior, helped ship my online orders for the first 5 months. Yep, I pasted many stamps onto parcels!

The "package" helped start up the business during the pandemic.

The wooden holder was the inspiration for our mahogany incense holders 10 years later.

Paying homage to my heritage, our Sandalwood and Lavender incense are two of our best sellers. Lighting these two fragrances together is divine. A must-try!

There are many clues along the way.
I'm learning to be quiet, at least enough to hear those whispers.

Happy Lighting💜

Where does the name Zulah come from?

Zulah (pronounced “Zoo-lah”) comes from Princess Zulah, a fictional character in the bedtime stories I told my daughter when she was two.

Who founded Zulah?

Zulah was founded by Indi, who left a corporate job at a gold mining company. The business is based in Markham, Ontario, Canada.

Where is Zulah incense made?

Our incense sticks are hand-dipped in Sri Lanka.

🔥 Quick Safety Tips for Burning Incense:

• Always use a heat-resistant holder.
  
• Keep away from anything flammable (curtains, paper, pets).
  
• Burn in a well-ventilated room.
  
• For smaller spaces, 10–15 minutes is plenty.
  
• Keep out of reach of curious little hands and paws!