Over 50 years of craftsmanship

My parents lived in Denmark for five years. It was the 1960s, and design was highly regarded there. Driven by creative fervour, they designed a combination of candles through trial and error. The diameter, the ratio between the five candles, their appearance and elegance soon led their friends to order the candles for their acquaintances as well.

Back in Belgium, the number of customers grew steadily, and the hobby soon became a real craft. In 1989, the brand name bika – an acronym for Buytaert Ingrids Kaarsen Atelier (Buytaert Ingrid's Candle Workshop) – was christened.

The Netherlands also recognised the appeal of these candles, and soon bika candles had secured a permanent place in high-end floristry.

My mother's sister, Maria Buytaert, quickly recognised the potential of the candles. Germany, with its respect for craftsmanship and its tradition of Christmas markets, proved to be the ideal breeding ground for candles. From 1987 onwards, the candles were distributed in German-speaking countries by Maria Buytaert Kerzen.

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I took over my mother's company in 2005. The brand name bika was retained, and the company behind it is Ilyvero bv. In 2018, I acquired the Maria Buytaert Kerzen brand.

Because Maria's candles are poured at a higher temperature, they have a smooth appearance. In addition, they are mainly available in vibrant, primary colours. You can find them in the Smooth Collection.

And the bika version – cast at a lower temperature, giving it soft lines on the side – was renamed the Iced Collection.

bika Candles is the story of more than 55 years of female entrepreneurship with a passion for craftsmanship!