Meet the Maker

Katie S.
My candle making journey began with a simple online search: non-toxic candles made with quality and trustworthy ingredients. I was quickly overwhelmed with growing concerns about common practices within the candle industry, specifically regarding the prevalence of toxins found in the wax and fragrances used by major brands. The amount of misleading information being presented to consumers made it seem impossible to trust buying a candle from anywhere! It then became my mission to utilize my Doctorate of Pharmacy and professional work experience in Clinical Research and Development. I began the process of seeking out the highest quality ingredients, free from all toxins that I could compile to make clean-burning candles to share with the world.
Made with love,
Katie
The Science of Aromatherapy
There are three main elements used to assess and identify clean-burning candles: the wax, the wick, and the fragrance. Most large candle companies use paraffin wax, proprietary fragrance blends and cotton wicks dipped in paraffin wax. I take pride in the quality and safety of my products, using natural ingredients like 100% beeswax, coconut wax, and soy wax - no ambiguous blends! With my background in pharmacy, you can trust that every fragrance is thoughtfully formulated, free from harmful toxins, ethically produced and poured from my own hands.
What We Don’t Like
The Four P’s: paraffins, phthalates, preservatives, and petroleum
Paraffin wax and other petroleum based waxes release chemicals into the air when burned, even at the highest quality grade. When burned, harmful toxins such as benzene and toluene are released into the air, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and may be linked to respiratory problems and other health issues. These emissions can be particularly concerning in poorly ventilated spaces, affecting both humans and pets. Leading candle makers will market their candles as having “premium-grade paraffin wax” – but what does that really mean? Even at the highest quality, paraffin waxes are known to release harsh chemicals into the air when burned.
Phthalates can often be found in candles due to the lack of transparency and regulation in the candle industry. Companies are legally permitted to list “fragrance” on their ingredient lists without explanation (it is considered a “trade secret”), so many do. This means products could contain allergens and toxins specifically linked to illness or known endocrine disruptors such as phthalates. Typical candles often contain synthetic chemicals that exacerbate these problems. Phthalates are used to enhance scents and extend burn time despite being linked to hormone disruption and adverse effects on the reproductive system.
While some candle manufacturers have made efforts to address these issues by opting for more natural alternatives, such as soy wax and essential oil-based fragrances, the industry as a whole still has a long way to go. Misleading labeling and greenwashing practices can further confuse consumers who seek safer options.
What We Love
Simple ingredients and simple explanations. I use an ethically sourced blend of 100% natural beeswax, coconut, soy, and palm wax. This wax is biodegradable, renewable, carcinogen-free, mutagen-free, phthalate-free, toxin-free, cruelty-free, and recyclable. It is even a skin safe wax.
For my wicks, I use 100% natural wooden wicks that are FSC certified and made in the USA.
Additionally, for all the fragrance oils I use I have personally reviewed their safety data sheets to ensure they are 100% phthalate-free and there are no carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, or acute toxins.
Sustainable Candle Crafting
In addition to my focus for consumers' health and safety, I am also driven to promote and employ a more sustainable approach to candle consumption to protect our collective home and environment. Candle jars and vessels are one of the leading waste sources in the candle industry, along with distribution products. To combat this I use refillable vessels and produce refill inserts, all packaged in 100% compostable wax paper and secured in a recycled and reusable craft paper tube.