What I Look for When Making Candles
Crafting a candle is both an art and a science. Every element needs to work in harmony to create a candle that not only smells beautiful but tells a story, elevates a moment, and reflects the values of clean, sustainable living. When I set out to make a candle, I start with two principles: pure, safe ingredients and an inspiring sensory experience.
The Ingredients that Matter
Many people are surprised to learn how much goes into a candle and how the different components interact to deliver the experience. Many of the candles available to consumers contain paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, along with other additives and chemicals that contain harmful ingredients. Paraffin wax is much cheaper than natural waxes and it is stable, easy to work with and produces beautifully scented candles. But, since candles are a big part of my life, it’s important to me to move away from these materials and toward ingredients that are better for our homes and our planet.
That’s why I choose natural waxes like coconut-apricot and olive oil wax. These waxes are eco-friendly and burn cleanly, allowing the fragrance to shine without interference. Knowing that candles can burn for hours in the home each day means I want to choose waxes that don't add toxins to the environment.
The wick is also really important to how a candle performs for you - the materials, the size and the braid of the wick all impact how fast your candle burns and the amount of scent that comes through as the wax melts.
Finally, fragrances. In developing our blends I ensure that every fragrance we use is free of phthalates, parabens, mutagens, and carcinogens, giving peace of mind to families, pet lovers, and anyone who values wellness. These kinds of toxic chemicals are avoidable in today's candle making world and in keeping with our commitment to eliminating toxins we use only 2 trusted, certified suppliers for fragrance oils in the United States.
The Art of Scent
The scent of a candle can transform a space in an instant. It can uplift your mood, create a sense of calm, or evoke cherished memories. When creating a new fragrance, I think about the moments in our lives and how I can bring more pleasure to those moments, whether they be every day routines, or a special occasion. Each candle is crafted with fine fragrances and essential oils to evoke an experience and complement your daily life.
Take American Riviera, for example. Inspired by the coastal beauty of California, it combines eucalyptus and coconut for a fresh, breezy aroma. English Summer blends orange blossom, freesia, and lilac, some of my favorite floral scents that together create an uplifting mood that feels like the incredible happiness of a perfect summer's day in England after an often rainy Spring. And for evenings, NightCap offers the perfect blend of understated sweetness and deep warmth that leaves me feeling snuggly but alive.
During Fall & Holidays, we create more special occasion candles that can help bring back memories and create a lively mood for gatherings.
Why It Matters
A candle should be more than just a decoration. It should be something you can use freely and confidently, knowing it’s made with care. For me, the joy of making candles is knowing they bring light, beauty, and peace to someone’s day. That’s the heart of what I look for—and what I hope you’ll find—in every candle I create.