Meet the Makers

Every project starts with a dream—and the makers who make it real. Discover Maker Monday stories, explore their products, and share their light.

Meet Kristen Powers (Executive Director) and Mona Evans (Community Advocacy Director) of Benevolence Farm in Graham, NC.

Founded by Tanya Jisa in North Carolina, Benevolence Farm cultivates leadership, sustainable livelihoods, and systemic change for women and gender-expansive people impacted by incarceration. What began as 11 acres and a single home has grown into a thriving social enterprise where residents grow herbs, craft natural body care, and hand-pour candles that symbolize resilience and renewal.

“Nature is the opposite of prison. Reentry should be more than survival—it should be about reclaiming autonomy, creativity, and connection to the land.

”Each resident arrives at stable housing, meaningful work, and a compassionate community ready to help them rebuild. From tending lavender and calendula in the fields to creating Healing Salve and Honeysuckle & Turmeric Soap in the workshop, every product is infused with care, purpose, and possibility.

Benevolence Farm’s choice to use CleanScents® from CandleScience reflects that same commitment—safe, transparent, and people-first. When you light a Benevolence Farm candle, you’re not just filling a room with fragrance, you’re fueling opportunity, dignity, and change.

What we admire and find unique: Benevolence Farm redefines what it means to be a maker. They’ve woven healing, justice, and craftsmanship into one model—proving that fragrance can do more than scent a space; it can change lives.

Meet Kristine Perry, the maker behind Wicks and Whiskers in Charlotte, NC.

At Wicks & Whiskers, guests blend their own signature scent from a “scent wall” of CandleScience fragrance oils, wick their jar, melt their wax, pour, and even design a label. The finishing touch? Naming their one-of-a-kind candle. And while your candle cools, you cuddle kittens. Lots of kittens. 

The idea sparked during the pandemic when Kristine made her very first candle (spoiler: it was a total flop). After a crash course in wax, wicks, and fragrance load, she thought: what if people could have all the fun of candle-making… without the science headaches? Add in her love of animal rescue, and Wicks & Whiskers was born.

Why people can’t get enough:

• A scent wall packed with CandleScience fragrances → unlimited blending possibilities
• Hundreds of custom candles created (and named!) by guests
• Rescue kittens who often leave with forever homes
• A space that’s equal parts cozy, creative, and completely irresistible

Kristine’s favorite? The moment when a guest lights up after smelling their blend. (Though her personal must-have is Mint Mojito.)

What we admire and find unique: Wicks & Whiskers proves that candles don’t just brighten rooms—they brighten lives. It’s the only place where you can leave with both a handmade candle and a brand-new best friend with whiskers. 

Meet Monique “Mo” Mackey, the maker behind Kindred Spirit Candle Company in Fayetteville + Durham, NC.

Mo’s life is a blend of Southern charm, family roots, and bold creativity. By day, she’s a mom, a barber, and a serial entrepreneur. By night, she’s whipping up candles and home fragrances with the same love and care she puts into a homemade recipe.

At Kindred Spirit, every product feels like comfort food for the soul. From candles and wax melts to linen sprays and the crowd-favorite Shhh Spray, Mo infuses her farmhouse style with cozy, gourmand-inspired blends that smell like they came straight out of grandma’s kitchen.

Her journey started in 2020, when a difficult season turned into a blessing in disguise. With her son by her side, late nights of YouTube tutorials turned into a healing ritual of pouring wax, blending fragrance, and creating something beautiful together. Through challenges—including the loss of her son’s father—Mo and her family built Kindred Spirit into a brand that celebrates resilience, love, and togetherness.

What makes Kindred Spirit extra sweet:

• Foodie fragrances crafted like family recipes—measured, blended, and perfected with love
• Three generations (Mo, her mom, and her son) building a business together
• Farmhouse coziness with a bold, soulful twist
• Scents that feel like butter, sugar, and a dash of Southern hospitality in every jar

Mo can’t live without CandleScience gourmand fragrance oils—blending them the way a chef layers flavors, pairing notes like a wine and cheese board until they’re mouthwateringly perfect.

What we admire and find unique: Mo doesn’t just pour candles—she plates up Southern comfort in wax form. Each jar is a recipe for warmth, resilience, and connection, served with the kind of love that makes everyone feel like family.

Meet Amber Williams, the maker behind ScentsXchange in Raleigh, NC.

Amber handcrafts luxurious, eco-conscious candles and melts that transform everyday spaces into rituals of self-care. From signature candles and seasonal drops to her interactive Scents & Sip events, Amber invites her community to slow down, savor, and connect through fragrance.

Her candle journey began as a way to find calm during a busy career in HR. What started as weekend experiments soon bloomed into ScentsXchange—a brand built on storytelling, sustainability, and joy-filled rituals.

Every scent is a story. From handwritten notes tucked into each order to interactive traditions like 12 Days of Scentmas and monthly Scent Boxes, Amber creates more than candles—she creates connection.

“I couldn’t do what I do without CandleScience’s supplies. Their jars, wicks, and lids are the foundation of every ScentsXchange candle. The quality and consistency give me confidence that every batch will burn beautifully and look as luxe as it smells.”

What we admire and find unique: Amber goes beyond fragrance—she creates connection. From handwritten notes to interactive traditions like 12 Days of Scentmas, she transforms candle-making into a shared ritual of joy, story, and self-care. That dedication to both product and people is why we’re proud to highlight her today.

Meet Michelle Fox, the maker behind The Untamed Daisy Soap Co. in Hickory, NC.

For Michelle, creating is more than a business—it’s pure joy. She fell in love with the freedom of blending colors, textures, and scents into products that are as functional as they are beautiful. 

“Creating is definitely my happy place,” she says, and her soaps, candles, and body care reflect that passion.

Inspiration comes straight from nature—sunsets, flowers, butterflies, oceans, and mountains. That endless beauty finds its way into seasonal collections her customers anticipate year after year, always eager for returning favorites and excited to discover new ones.

Her journey began 12 years ago while homeschooling and farming, when making her own soap and candles felt like the natural next step. From selling at festivals to parking her “soap mobile” at the top of the Sam’s parking lot, Michelle hustled her way into a storefront—signing her lease 7 years ago. Since then, The Untamed Daisy has become a true family business, with all four of her kids (and now her son’s fiancé!) working alongside her.

What we admire and find unique: Michelle’s brand embodies heart, heritage, and artistry. From her soap mobile days to a thriving storefront, she’s built a business rooted in family, fueled by creativity, and inspired by the natural world. The Untamed Daisy proves that cleaner, handcrafted products can be every bit as joyful, nostalgic, and beautiful as the moments that inspire them.

Meet Mykah & Taylor, the makers behind Hello October Candle Co. in Virginia Beach, VA.

What began as a way to bring the familiar scents of “home” into a new space has become a thriving small business dedicated to comfort, connection, and story-filled fragrance.

When a military move took them across the country, far from family, Mykah & Taylor started hand-pouring soy candles that captured the cozy memories of people and places they loved. The result? Hello October Candle Co.—a brand rooted in warmth, calm, and belonging.

Why “Hello October”? Both makers share October birthdays and a love for fall—the season’s slower pace, cozy evenings, and sense of comfort perfectly reflect their brand’s spirit.

Each candle is crafted with wood wicks for that soft, soothing crackle—like sitting beside a fire—and every scent is blended with intention to stir memory and emotion. Fan favorites like Evergreen and Apple have become signatures, beloved for their light, calming throw that keeps customers coming back season after season.

Maker’s obsessions:

• Golden Wax 464 Soy Wax – smooth, reliable, with excellent hot + cold throw
• Fragrance favorites: Apples & Maple Bourbon and Evergreen and Apple
• Seasonal creativity – their new fall blends + limited-edition Halloween candles and melts are already sparking joy

What we admire and find unique: Hello October isn’t just about fragrance—it’s about feeling. Mykah & Taylor turn candles into vessels of memory and belonging, making each one an experience of comfort you can return to again and again.

Meet Liz Frazier, the maker behind Witch City Wicks in Salem, Massachusetts.

Liz creates hand-poured soy candles that embody a moody, elegant aesthetic—candles that feel just as at home in a dramatic, maximalist space as they do in a cozy modern living room. Each fragrance, vessel, and label is layered with story, place, and atmosphere.

Her journey started in 2010 with a simple CandleScience kit in her kitchen. By 2011, Witch City Wicks was born—and in 2017, Liz opened her brick-and-mortar shop in the heart of Salem, MA. 

Liz’ favorite? She swears by CandleScience’s true-to-life fragrance oils. The richness and strength of these scents give her collections their signature depth and transportive quality—turning every candle into an immersive experience that customers return to again and again.

What we admire and find unique: Liz doesn’t just pour candles; she crafts atmosphere and memory. With her graphic design background and her Salem roots, every detail feels intentional—elevating candles from home goods into works of art that tell a story.

Meet Jojo Guzman, the maker behind 7th Inning Candles® in Anaheim, California.

October means baseball postseason is in full swing—and what better time to spotlight a maker who’s bringing the ballpark home year-round? Meet Jojo Guzman, the creative behind 7th Inning Candles®, a baseball-inspired home fragrance brand designed to capture the spirit of the game—from the first pitch to the final out. With crackling wooden wicks, nostalgic scents, and hand-poured quality, Jojo’s candles make every day feel like game day.

Jojo’s maker journey started on a hike back in 2021 with a spontaneous idea: “What if I could combine my love for baseball with candle making?” That spark has since evolved into a trademarked brand that’s hitting home runs across candles, room sprays, wax melts, and more.

Some CandleScience favorites fueling the lineup? Watermelon, Honeydew + Oakmoss Amber—so loved that Jojo orders them by the jug. And while the secret formula behind the signature Home Run® candle stays under wraps, one thing’s for sure: Jojo’s passion for the craft burns as bright as a stadium under the lights.

Meet Hannah, the maker behind Sierra Soapbox Candle Co. in South Lake Tahoe, California.

Rooted in South Lake Tahoe, this small-batch artisan candle brand is as much about attitude as it is about ambiance. Hannah captures the quirks of mountain living—from après-ski coziness to highway closures and shovel marathons—then bottles them with wit and fragrance.

“Our scents reflect the local hangouts, secret spots, and even the frustrations that come with needing to shovel your way out.”
Born out of cabin fever during a brutal winter, Sierra Soapbox started as a way to light the dark—literally. Today, it’s a year-round business with candles that double as an insider’s guide to Tahoe life.

The standout? Locals Only: smells like you can’t park there.
Powered by Golden Santal—smooth, woody, and effortlessly cool—it’s the scent that feels like Tahoe itself: grounded, chic, and a little irreverent.

“Candle-making started as a practical way to have emergency lighting, but has since turned into a small business.”

What we admire and find unique: Hannah doesn’t just make candles—she turns mountain culture into fragrance storytelling. While romanticizing the outdoors is cool, she leans into the real-life grit, humor, and character of Tahoe, creating scents that are as relatable as they are refined.

Meet Kerry, the maker behind Couture Home & Body in Liberty Hill, TX.

What started as a creative escape in a Los Angeles kitchen has grown into a luxury fragrance brand rooted in storytelling, clean craftsmanship, and small-batch artistry.

From soy candles and fine fragrance to body care and room sprays, each piece is crafted with premium ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and a deep love for the chemistry of scent.

“I’m not just pouring candles, I’m crafting mood.”

“If it doesn’t throw, it doesn’t go.”

Every blend is hand-built—lavender and cedarwood anchoring bright florals or creamy woods, layered and refined until the fragrance feels both intentional and unforgettable.

What we admire and find unique: This brand lives at the intersection of art and science. Every scent is a story, but it’s also meticulously tested, balanced, and perfected. It’s rare to find a maker who pairs luxury aesthetics with such a disciplined, chemistry-driven approach

Meet Jenni Zielke the maker behind Illuminate Space in North Aurora, IL.

What started in 2016 with a Christmas vignette has grown into a full-fledged candle brand and experience business—complete with a warehouse in Geneva, IL and Tilly, a vintage camper turned mobile candle bar.

From soy candles and room sprays to eco-friendly cleaners and whimsical “Mood Boxes,” Illuminate Space is all about creating products and experiences that are environmentally conscious.

“My goal is to help people feel grounded, comforted, and cared for.”

“At the heart of my work is Tilly…where people can pour their own candles at events, markets, and private parties.”

The vibe? Warm, inviting, and a little bit magical—string lights, plants, and candles everywhere. Illuminate Space isn’t just about selling candles, it’s about connection: pour parties, seasonal launches, custom blends, and community collabs.

• Big milestones: Launching Tilly in 2024
• Expanding to wholesale + artisan spaces across the U.S.
• Opening a candle warehouse in 2025 to host year-round events

“Clean Scents™ from CandleScience are the backbone of everything I create. My customers trust me because I trust CandleScience.”

What we admire and find unique: Illuminate Space doesn’t just sell candles—it creates experiences. By transforming fragrance into a shared ritual (through Tilly, pour parties, and mood-inspired collections), Jenni has built a brand that’s as much about connection as it is about scent.

Meet Alecia, the maker behind Black Lavender Co. in Clarksville, IN.

She handcrafts clean-burning soy candles, wax melts, room & linen sprays, and foaming hand soaps—all toxin-free, phthalate-free, and designed to fill your space without overpowering it.

“Every product is designed to feel like a mood in a jar (or bottle!).”

Alecia’s inspiration comes from her roots—gardening and baking with her grandmother—and today she channels that same warmth and creativity into blending cozy, elevated scents. From warm bakery aromas to earthy blends and fresh florals, each fragrance tells a story.

“What started as a personal project quickly became a passion for blending fragrances and crafting products that bring warmth and atmosphere without toxins.”

Known for sleek packaging, thoughtful curation, and incredible fragrance throw, Alecia pours and mixes everything herself in small batches with care.

And just in time for the season shift…on August 21st, she dropped her Fall Discovery Box—six mini candles in her custom autumn blends, the perfect way to try them all!

“At its heart, my brand is about helping people create small, sweet moments in their everyday life.”

What we admire and find unique: Alecia has mastered the balance of luxury and comfort—pairing sleek, modern packaging with fragrances that feel deeply personal and nostalgic. It’s rare to find a maker who can deliver both high-end style and “warmth in a jar,” and that’s exactly what makes Black Lavender Co. stand out.

Meet Nay, the maker behind E & N Soaps in Fairlawn, VA.

What started as a first date activity with her husband has blossomed into E & N Soaps, a thriving business known for soap stacks, bright colors (without dyes!), and viral creations like the fan-favorite Pink Dragonfruit.

“Good quality products can still be colorful.”
“I aim to give back more to the community than I take.”

Nay launched her storefront in September 2024—becoming the only black owned brick-and-mortar soap shop in the area. From Facebook sellouts to nationwide recognition, her soaps prove that passion, creativity, and skin-loving ingredients never go out of style. 

With chronic asthma shaping her journey, Nay is committed to crafting bath + body products that are vibrant, safe, and inclusive.

“As my products have gone viral, I’ve taken on a creator and influencer role. I take pride in my social media being a safe space for all.”

Bright colors. Skin-loving formulas. A heart for community. That’s E & N Soaps.

What we admire and find unique: Nay has transformed a personal challenge into a creative advantage—proving that fragrance and color can be both bold and gentle. Her ability to deliver eye-catching, viral-worthy soaps without dyes or irritants makes E & N Soaps stand out as a brand that’s just as fun as it is thoughtful.