Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. - The Buddha

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I moved to Altadena in 2018 with my husband Edwin and son Bodhi. The kindness of our neighbors, friendly waves on walks, and beauty of local hikes were transformative for us. I felt a connection to community and nature here that I hadn’t experienced in other places around LA. I knew Altadena was home, a perfect place for Bodhi to grow up.

 

 When Edwin passed away in 2021, I took leave from my career in public education to care for Bodhi. Early on I met with an art grief therapist who encouraged me to make art to heal and process our loss. I painted portraits of my grief (Instagram @marike_creates), and then began to explore candle making as a side project. 

 

I fell in love with this craft for several reasons. First, through candle making, I came to understand the primal power of scents to shift our moods, evoke happy memories, and elevate our emotional state. Though life may feel heavy or overwhelming, the scent of a candle is a simple way to tap into feelings of joy, peace, and connection to a happy place. Second, I realized that candles create an opportunity to connect with and celebrate Altadena locals. Like the Buddha, I see in Altadena, so many individuals sharing their light and only increasing the happiness of our community. I envision creating candles with our local businesses and groups that capture their unique spirit and raise money for causes that they care about here in Altadena.  Third, making candles is something I can do at home with my son Bodhi, who is becoming quite the candlemaker himself.

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I hope you love you candles. I look forward to working with you to custom design candles for your events, clients, and gifting. I also hope you sign up for our Candle of the Month Club to enjoy a unique seasonal or locally inspired candle every month, along with other special treats.

 

Share your light,

 

Marike