Who decided that blending wax, wick and a dash of fragrance could transform both spaces and moods? Genius, right? Here's the thing: among the hustle and life's little chaos, lighting a candle feels like a mini-rebellion against the mundane—a fragrant flicker of joy. And guess what? This International Women's Day, we're putting the spotlight on those who've mastered this artful rebellion: women candle makers.
March 8th isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a movement. A day to champion the achievements of women and rally for gender equality. And what better way to do that than by supporting female entrepreneurs who are pouring their hearts (and scents) into their businesses?
So, whether you're in the market for a new scent-sation or just looking to support strong women in the candle game, we've curated a list of 15 female-owned brands that are setting the fragrance world on fire.
Read on to uncover their heartfelt stories and maybe find your new favourite candle. Let's make this Women's Day glow with support for female-owned businesses in the home fragrance industry.
15 home fragrance female-owned businesses to support
Prepare to be inspired by these trailblazing women and their scented creations. From eco-conscious endeavours to luxury lines, these female entrepreneurs are shaping the future of home fragrances.
Here's a sneak peek at their incredible work:
The Irish Chandler
Lisa's journey with The Irish Chandler began from a desire to fill her home with clean, inviting scents. Now, with creations like "Cliffs Candle" and "Doolin Days," she weaves the essence of Ireland into each soy wax candle. Perfect for those who cherish a cosy vibe and adore the apothecary aesthetic, her hand-poured treasures bring a piece of Irish warmth right to your living room.
The Little Melt Company
From Debbie's kitchen to your home, The Little Melt Company has been brightening spaces since 2016 with their vibrant wax melt snap bars. Handcrafted in Lisburn, each piece is a burst of colour and fragrance, designed to suit any mood or preference. With 70+ scents to choose from, including popular perfume dupes, their vegan, cruelty-free and pet-friendly creations promise a delightful sensory experience for all.
Sandwick Bay Candles
From the heart of the Isle of Lewis, Megan brings the serene essence of the Outer Hebrides to life with Sandwick Bay Candles. Specialising in small-batch, hand-poured creations, her candles are a testament to the island's natural beauty, encapsulated in their signature clean, pristine design. Plus, some of her gift boxes contain extra goodies like Australian Tim Tams and soothing Space Masks.
FieldDay Candles
Alix, from County Down, founded FieldDay Candles with a vision to encapsulate the rich variety of native Irish scents. Recently featured in the Belfast Telegraph, her creations draw from the untamed beauty of Ireland's wildflowers and, intriguingly, its elegant weeds.
With over 20 years of crafting, FieldDay is celebrated for its commitment to handcrafted quality, slow production and a deep appreciation for nature's overlooked wonders. Alix and her all-female team infuse each candle with the essence of Ireland, from nettle to rosehip, creating an olfactory journey through the Irish fields, especially cherished during the rain.
The Candle Brand
Christina Brand, alongside her new-born, sparked The Candle Brand from her dining room, blending family warmth with award-winning flair (having won several ‘Gift of the Year’ awards over the years). Think adorable pick ‘n’ mix wax melts and eco-conscious ethos. This Norfolk gem, driven by Christina's passion, turns candle making into a family celebration, loved by all, from influencers to the next-door neighbour.
The Cahm Collective
From a kitchen table in West Yorkshire, Amy's The Cahm Collective blossomed during lockdown, turning a tough time into a beacon for mental well-being. With candles that whisper reminders to Care, be Aware, Hold joy and be Mindful, Amy's lighting up paths to peace and positivity with her handmade creations. Whisk your senses away to the Amalfi coast, or perhaps a tranquil rose garden, with these calming scents.
Tenfire
Dawn-Marie's Tenfire is where minimalist design meets eco-conscious crafting, right in the heart of Northern Ireland. Every candle, with its locally sourced, sustainable charm, is a nod to the green hills and rugged coastlines that inspire them. Hand-poured with care, these soy wonders are Dawn-Marie's love letter to the planet and a cosy invite to relish in the simple, serene moments.
To The Moon
To The Moon isn't just about its cool retro-inspired candles (which are totally Insta-worthy, by the way). To The Moon is a tribute to love, crafted in Liverpool by founder, Jessica, who we’re supporting today for her incredible strength in which she has channelled into her gorgeous handmade creations. Each scent tells a story of Lee Kent, a bright soul who inspires us to aim "to the moon" in his memory. It's a brand born from resilience, lighting up homes with Lee's laughter and love in every flicker.
Lillavendel
In the heart of Norway, Lillavendel's founder, Guro, infuses the calm of Scandinavian landscapes into her lovingly made candles. It's more than just wax and wick; it's a slice of Norwegian tranquillity, handcrafted to fill your space with the serene, minimalistic elegance that Norway is celebrated for. Each candle from Lillavendel is a whisper of the north, inviting warmth and calm into your home.
Black Moon Botanica
Step into Brooke's realm at Black Moon Botanica in Edinburgh, where the air is thick with enchantment and a hint of mystery. This isn't your average candle shop; it's a witchy wonderland of cauldron oil burners, goddess figures and skull candles that whisper tales of old. Brooke's love for natural magic and Herbology shines through in every gothic piece, making Black Moon a haven for those drawn to the mystical side of life.
Whiffy Wonders Wax
Whiffy Wonders Wax is where a student's side hustle blooms into something beautiful on Etsy. Think handcrafted floral candles and one-of-a-kind pieces that feel like little artworks. It’s all about squeezing in those extra hours after class to follow a passion, proving that with a bit of grit and a lot of wax, you can light up your world. We love Rachel’s uplifting, personalised candles—they’re super cute!
Flickering Cuppa Candles
Wander into the cosy corner of Flickering Cuppa Candles, where each flicker brings warmth and nostalgia to your space. These teacup treasures are chosen carefully to kindle delight and transport you to snug afternoons filled with laughter and the soft clink of china. At the heart of it all is the creative founder, Martina, pouring love into her quirky candle designs, making sure they feel just like home.
Ealu Candles
Meet Grainne, a super-mum and nurse with a knack for crafting candles that speak to the heart. Wrapped in the essence of family and proudly branded with the Irish word for 'escape,' each candle is her invitation to find a little peace amidst the chaos. Ealu Candles brings you personalised moments—from heartfelt bridesmaid proposals to ‘healthcare hero thank yous’—showcasing a custom message of your choice on each one. We’re also slightly obsessed with the fact her candle vessels double up as chic drinking tumblers!
Etain Candles
Right on Lough Neagh's edge, Etain Candles is doing something special. This Women's Day and beyond, the founder, Kaleena, champions not just female entrepreneurship but also the preservation of Ireland's linguistic heritage—keeping the language alive and kicking with her standout labels. Whether it's the calming 'Cainéal Cúrach', or the uplifting 'Piobar bándearg & Rós,' each candle represents Ireland's heart and soul, something here. Plus, their clean, ultra-minimalist look instils calm in us, even when unlit.
Hazel & Harp Candles
Chloe's Hazel & Harp Candles, just like the other remarkable women in our line-up, captures the spirit of Irish heritage from the mystical Causeway Coast in each handcrafted candle. Inspired by the wisdom of the hazel tree and the iconic Irish harp, these Etsy treasures bring the allure of ancient Ireland into your home. Crafted with mindfulness towards sustainability, each candle tells a tale of folklore and natural beauty, inviting you to experience the mystic charm of Northern Ireland through heritage-inspired fragrances.
A tribute to women’s craft and courage
As we wrap up this celebration of scent and sisterhood, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these phenomenal women and their luminous creations. Each candle and fragrance carries a story of resilience, creativity and a fiery passion for the craft. These women are doing more than making candles; they're kindling flames of inspiration, encouraging us all to chase our dreams.
In the spirit of International Women's Day, let's not just support these incredible entrepreneurs today but make it a year-round mission. For every woman out there with a spark of an idea or a burning passion, know that the world needs your light. And remember, NI Candle Supplies is here to support you, every step of the way, as you turn those flickers of thought into a bright success.
To all the women shaping the future of home fragrances, we salute you. Your journey inspires us, and your victories light up our world. Here's to more women pursuing their passions, breaking barriers and making their mark in the world of candles and beyond.