Meet Candle Maker Bree, owner of Calafia Candle Company
At Bulk Apothecary, we are proud to support and highlight the talented artisans and candle makers that rely on our high-quality ingredients. Every month, we feature a standout creator from the maker community, showcasing their unique journey and passion for crafting.
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Bree, the candle maker behind Calafia Candle Company, an elegant brand known for its beautiful hand-poured candles. Bree’s dedication to creating exceptional candles has captured our attention, and we’re eager to share her inspiring story with you. Whether you’re a boutique owner or a skincare, soap, or candle maker, you’ll find inspiration.
Thank you for taking the time to share more about your business with us and the maker community. Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your Candle Maker journey? We’d love to hear how you started.
Thank you for having me! My name is Bree and I’m the owner of Calafia Candle Company based out of Southern California. I started my business in 2021 after being furloughed from my flight attendant job, and have since developed a true passion for all things creating and candle-making.
Wow, we love hearing how a hard time can turn in to something amazing, like your candles! What sparked your passion for creating and selling candles? We’d love to know what motivated you to start.
After being furloughed from my job during the pandemic, I wanted to find a passion project to fill my time during the unknown. I was doing some research and landed on a couple videos about candle-making. I thought to myself, “How hard can that be?” HA! Little did I know just how involved candle-making is. I dove deep into the rabbit hole and never looked back. Seven months later, Calafia Candle Company was born!
Yes, Candle Making is not as easy as some think. What was your inspiration behind the name of your company?
The inspiration behind my company name is my hometown of San Clemente, CA. Calafia is the name of a beach and the state park in San Clemente, and all of the names of my Signature Collection are in relation to San Clemente as well. San Clemente is the cutest Spanish village by the sea, and holds such a special place in my heart. I knew I wanted it to be the focal point of my business when I was brainstorming names.
What do you love most about creating your products?
What I love most is having total creative freedom. If I get a new idea or feel inspired by something, I can just run with it and change things up whenever I want. Whether it’s trying out a new scent or tweaking a design, I love that I’m in control of the whole process. It keeps things exciting and makes every product feel personal and truly made with love.
Out of all the amazing products you’ve created, what’s your personal favorite? We’d love to know which candle holds a special place for you and why.
My personal favorite product is a candle I just recently made in honor of my soul dog, Colette, who passed away in July. I wanted to create something in remembrance of her that could also give back to the rescue she was adopted from. I’m so proud of this candle and the donations we’ve been able to send to the rescue!
What’s one piece of advice that has been instrumental in helping you grow your candle brand? We’re sure other makers in the community would love to hear your insights.
One piece of advice that really stuck with me is ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ It’s a reminder that growth takes time and to not get discouraged if things don’t happen overnight. I’ve learned to be patient with the process, take things step by step, and enjoy the journey. It’s helped me stay focused and keep pushing forward, even when things feel slow.
That’s excellent advice! On the topic of challenges, what are some of the biggest hurdles you’ve faced while growing Calafia Candle Company?
One of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to scale when it’s just me handling everything. From making the products to marketing, packing orders, and customer service, it can be tough to keep up as the business grows. I’m constantly learning how to manage my time better and finding ways to streamline things, but it’s definitely a balancing act!
What’s your favorite part of the creative process when crafting your candles? And on the flip side, is there a part of the process you find most challenging or least enjoyable?
I think my most favorite part is pouring…whether it be candles, wax melts, or room sprays. It’s so relaxing and fills the air with all the good smells! My least favorite part is probably labeling products. I don’t know why…but that part always seems daunting to me.
From where do you draw your inspiration to create your products?
I get a lot of my inspiration from San Clemente itself. There’s just something about the ocean, the laid-back vibe, and those perfect, breezy days that I try to capture in my scent offerings. Whether it’s the smell of salty air, blooming flowers, or just the overall feeling of calm after a day by the water, I want my products to bring that relaxed, coastal vibe into people’s homes.
What values does your business embody?
My business is all about creating a sense of calm and connection. I focus on quality and sustainability, making sure the materials I use are eco-friendly, because I care about the environment. I also want my customers to feel a real connection to the coastal, laid-back vibe that inspires everything I do. It’s all about slowing down, enjoying simple moments, and bringing a bit of the beach into everyday life.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer any aspiring makers?
It’s been wonderful getting to know more about you and your business! Before we wrap up, can you let everyone know the best way to explore more of your work and connect with you?
You can find me on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram with the handle @calafiacandleco. My website is www.calafiacandleco.com
If you want to learn more about starting a business check out this blog, Easy Ways to Start Your Candle Making Business
