Transforming Incense Ashes into Art

Imagine wearing prayer beads crafted not from gemstones or plastic but from the ashes of incense—transforming religious rituals into sustainable practices. Meet Base Genesis, a forward-thinking startup founded by millennials Alex Teo and Chris Huang. Each of their unique Ben Yuan He Xiang beads incorporates 10 to 20% of these incense ashes, harmoniously blended with traditional herbs like Chinese angelica and fu ling, creating not just a product but a spiritual experience.

Heritage Meets Innovation

Launched in 2023, Base Genesis aims to modernize and make eco-friendly the long-standing rituals associated with Chinese spirituality. Teo, a third-generation owner of a family incense business, joined forces with Huang, who brings both friendship and business acumen to the table. Their mission: to revitalize how people connect with their traditions, one bracelet at a time.

The Journey Behind the Beads

The idea for these innovative beads emerged after conversations with local temples struggling to manage the overwhelming amount of ash generated from joss sticks. Huang's exploration into waste management sparked the notion of creating beads from this usually discarded material, leading to the artisan process of mixing ash with water, molding it into beads, and baking them lovingly by hand.

Colors with Meaning

These beads come in five earthy colors—cream, grey, brown, pink, and black—each symbolizing one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Remarkably, every bead is all-natural, avoiding artificial dyes or plastic additives, making them a pure embodiment of heritage and modern eco-consciousness.

A Successful Launch with a Community Spirit

In just the first week, Base Genesis sold 1,400 beads at S$108 each, reflecting a growing interest in alternatives to traditional offerings. Their goal is to partner with more temples to transition incense ashes into meaningful keepsakes, helping devotees honor their ancestors sustainably.

Beyond Bracelets: A Vision for Sustainable Rituals

Teo and Huang aren’t stopping at beads. They recently introduced smoke-free and ash-free eco hell notes, allowing people to honor their ancestors without the environmental impact of traditional offerings. This innovation promises a cleaner, more respectful way to engage with cultural rituals during festivals.

Navigating Tradition and Modernity

While the duo embraces modern sustainability, they emphasize that their products aim to complement rather than replace traditional practices. As the conversation about sustainable rituals evolves, Teo believes there will come a time when burning traditional papers becomes a thing of the past, but until then, they are committed to offering respectful alternatives that resonate with the community.