The Best Candle Brands (You've Never Heard Of)

Hello there! This week’s roundup is free for all so these small, independent businesses get as many eyeballs on them as possible. :) If you love discovering cool things and smaller brands, consider supporting my work as a paid subscriber.

You know you have an addiction when you start to dedicate kitchen cupboards and closet space to candle storage. The upside is that everything smells amazing. The downside is there is no downside.

Aside from my lifelong obsession with candles, I have met and showcased hundreds and hundreds of candle/fragrance companies at Unique Markets, which I think makes me a bonafide expert in the field.

Here is my curation of favorites — all of these are independent, POC and/or woman-owned small businesses, so you know the assignment.

After spending time working as an urban farmer in LA, the founder, Jessica White, wanted to create scents that captured her everyday experiences in various gardens across the city. Loam’s candles do exactly that, transporting the olfactory experience of the outdoors inside. My faves are Community Garden and Citrus Season.

Just as she was starting Bohème, the founder, Sadaf, sent me her collection of candles for feedback… And I had no notes. Inspired by travel, the various scents, the beautiful packaging and the quality are all fantastic. Based in Atlanta, she just launched a special Parisian collab, which I’m excited to order! My faves are Idyllwild and Oaxaca.

Drawing from the rich worlds of cinema and the surreal, California desert-based Velvet Vortex turns scent into a portal: a place where time bends. Mostly known for their perfumes, I’m glad they also sell the amazing scents as candles — my fave is Phase 1. But what I really love and appreciate is that on top of full-sized versions, they sells travel-sized candle tins!

6pm Candle Co. creates products for dreamy days and cozy, candle-lit nights. I love the Houston-based brand so much because of the wide variety of options, and they partner with local artists for the label artwork. My fave is Speakeasy and Midnight Marauder.

Reggie, the founder of Daily Burn Candle Studio, has charisma that pulls you in, but it’s his incredible scents that keep you coming back. My fave, Domo Arigato Mr. Tobacco, is hands-down the best (and most potent) tobacco candle I’ve ever tried. I also love Sippin’ on Fire. Everything is made in Florida.

Made in Maryland, I turn to Aroma Vibes Co. for all my holiday scent needs. Their Cranberry Woods and Deck the Pines candles are perfection for filling a space with holiday cheer. I keep a stash of their travel sized tins ready to pack, or give in gift baskets.