The True Cost of the Candles You Light

I’ll be honest—I was that girl in the candle aisle at HomeGoods, grabbing every inexpensive candle I could get my hands on. The ones that smelled good enough, looked cute enough, and didn’t cost too much. It felt harmless. Fun, even. But over time, I realized those “affordable luxuries” came with a hidden cost.

Candles may seem simple—light, fragrance, ambiance—but many of the cheaper options are made with paraffin wax, chemical-heavy fragrances, and wicks that release toxins when burned. Those chemicals can irritate your lungs, cause headaches, and even create long-term health problems.

Growing up in the Bronx in the ’90s, I was no stranger to poor air quality and environmental stressors. On top of everything else we navigate daily—from the products we use on our skin and hair to the household goods we bring into our homes—adding candles that release toxins was the last thing I needed in my space. And as someone who lights candles almost every day, it mattered deeply to me.

That’s why I started making candles with a soy and coconut wax blend, essential oils, and a wooden wick. For me, it wasn’t about creating a product to sell—it was about creating something I could fully enjoy, something intentional, something that let me breathe a little easier. Lighting a candle should be a moment of restoration, not something that compromises your health.

The choices we make, even in small, everyday ways, add up over time. Paying attention to what goes into the products we use isn’t just about luxury—it’s about protecting ourselves before problems show up. Every ingredient, every item, every small decision has an impact, whether we notice it immediately or not. By being mindful today, we can reduce unnecessary exposure to toxins and create spaces that feel safer, healthier, and more nourishing.

 So ask questions, read the labels, and choose what truly supports your wellbeing. ❤️