October is recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the harsh realities of bullying. Despite ongoing efforts, instances of bullying continue to permeate society, manifesting in various forms. High-profile cases, such as the FCC targeting Jimmy Kimmel and threats against LGBTQ+ rights, underscore the enduring relevance of this issue. In 2025, the challenge lies in contributing meaningfully without resorting to clichés or insincerity.
In September, I contacted Richard Christiansen, the founder of the wellness brand Flamingo Estate, to discuss a potential partnership. Inspired by recent collaborations featuring celebrities like Pamela Anderson and LeBron James, I proposed creating a special candle. A portion of the sales would support organizations dedicated to anti-bullying efforts, reflecting my personal connection to the calming nature of candles. For me, lighting a candle represents a beacon of hope during difficult times.
Finding common ground in shared experiences
Richard’s enthusiastic response was immediate and reassuring. He agreed to the idea and offered that all proceeds from our collaboration could go directly to charities. This generous spirit resonated deeply with me, especially after learning about Richard’s own journey with bullying during his childhood in rural Australia. Growing up as a gentle boy in a hypermasculine environment, he faced relentless bullying throughout his school years, adding a profound layer to our collaboration.
Creating Blossoming Camellia
From these discussions, the Blossoming Camellia candle was born. This unique product blends the fragrances of white camellia, lemon, vanilla, and a hint of clove, resulting in a scent that is both refreshing and warm. The proceeds from this initiative will benefit four notable anti-bullying organizations: the Tyler Clementi Foundation and the Hetrick-Martin Institute in the United States, the Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Programme in the United Kingdom, and Project Rockit in Australia. These organizations focus on providing support to bullied individuals and educating peers on how to be proactive against bullying. According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, bystander intervention can stop bullying in 57% of cases within ten seconds.
Symbolism of the camellia
Interestingly, before our collaboration, Richard was already exploring the symbolism of camellias for an upcoming book. He described how camellias bloom on their own terms, often in the dark. This resonates with the journeys of many who have faced adversity, including my own path to activism that followed intense personal challenges. I recall the pivotal moment when I shared my story in a 2014 essay titled “Shame and Survival,” motivated by a friend’s words about the beauty of blooming despite fear.
Historical context of camellias
Richard elaborated on the camellia‘s rich history in California, particularly the experiences of Japanese American farmers who faced discrimination. Despite selling their land at reduced prices during World War II, these individuals significantly contributed to California’s agricultural landscape. Their story, intertwined with the camellia’s legacy, emphasizes the persistent struggle against bullying and discrimination across generations.
Before concluding our conversation, Richard introduced another intriguing metaphor: thin-skinned fruit. In a world of homogenization, he highlighted the importance of embracing diversity, much like we appreciate the unique qualities of each type of fruit. The statistic that 70.6% of young people witness bullying at school serves as a stark reminder that we must celebrate our differences rather than conforming to a singular standard.
Richard’s perspective on the significance of sensitivity and uniqueness resonated deeply with me. Encouraging those with emotional depth and creativity is essential to fostering a more compassionate society. Together, we hope our candle initiative not only brings comfort and warmth but also serves as a reminder of the collective strength we possess in combating bullying.