{"id":25661,"date":"2025-04-14T08:59:50","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T15:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/?p=25661"},"modified":"2026-04-16T17:42:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T00:42:17","slug":"customer-spotlight-alta-dena-candle-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/customer-spotlight-alta-dena-candle-company\/","title":{"rendered":"How One Woman Built a Meaningful Candle Brand with Purpose"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Customer spotlight: Altadena Candle Co.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When tragedy struck, Marike Anderson, the founder of Altadena Candle Company<\/a> found comfort and strength in the quiet, creative ritual of candle making. What began as a deeply personal path through grief has now grown into a small business rooted in healing, beauty, and community connection. Now, after losing her home in the Altadena fire, Marike continues her journey forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Marike<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Turning grief into light<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

After losing her husband in 2021, the founder\u2014then living in Altadena, CA\u2014began painting at night as a way to process her emotions. Encouraged by a grief art therapist friend, she learned how creativity could help heal the brain and spirit. \u201cEven when I wasn\u2019t ready to face the grief directly, creating helped me feel connected again,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This journey of emotional recovery eventually led her to candle making, and the transition from public school teacher to creative entrepreneur began. \u201cI realized this next phase of my life would be about raising my son and choosing a path grounded in creativity, authenticity, and community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first candle and a new beginning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It started with a candle she made for a Winter Solstice women\u2019s retreat\u2014a symbolic gift to represent the return of light in the dark season. a deep, grounding scent with a smoky quartz crystal tucked inside for clarity and renewal. That original candle evolved into one of her current bestsellers, Mystic Woods<\/em>. The art of candle making became not just an artistic outlet, but a way to nurture others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A name that means something more<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Alta<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The name Altadena Candle Company<\/a> was chosen with care. \u201cI looked it up expecting someone else must already be using it, but no one was. I felt a responsibility to represent Altadena\u2014a place rich with artists, history, and natural beauty,\u201d she says. Staying hyperlocal was intentional\u2014a response to the overwhelming national climate. \u201cMy power and creative energy are best used right here in my community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact of the Altadena fire<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In January, everything changed again. The Altadena fire<\/a> in January 2025, tore through her neighborhood, and her home was among those lost. \u201cMy first order of Avery labels arrived that morning. I was so excited\u2014I\u2019d spent the whole day making candles,\u201d she recalls. That evening, she saw the mountains behind her home glowing with flames and knew what was coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the only things she wishes she\u2019d saved? Her candle-making supplies. \u201cMy nephew joked the next day that the house probably smelled amazing when it burned down. It gave me a laugh when I really needed one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Marike<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Marike<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Marike<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Healing candles for a healing community<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The process of fire recovery began almost immediately\u2014reordering labels, wax, vessels, and scents. \u201cMaking candles again gave me a sense of purpose. It was a way to stay connected to Altadena, even though we were displaced.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of her most meaningful creations is a candle called Community Garden<\/a><\/em>, a green, floral scent inspired by the local garden off Lincoln Blvd. in Altadena. \u201cThe garden became a symbol for me\u2014of regrowth, of community resilience. It reminded me that nature, and people, can bloom again after loss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This connection to nature, especially in the wake of the Altadena fire, continues to influence her work. \u201cEven at our burned-down lot, you can see green grass poking through the ash. It\u2019s a reminder that we are part of nature, and we have the same ability to recover and grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Avery?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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In the early days of building her brand, she stumbled across the Avery design tool online <\/a>while looking for label options. \u201cI wasn\u2019t in love with my design\u2014I was new to it all. But I found Avery, and their design tool was easy and fun. I especially loved the hemp labels<\/a>,\u201d she says. \u201cNow I always double-check my label orders before hitting submit. I\u2019ve made so many mistakes, but that\u2019s how I\u2019ve learned. That\u2019s how I got here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The power of personal touch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Running a small candle business comes with its fair share of doubt and anxiety\u2014especially in an already crowded market. \u201cThere are so many candle makers out there. I was hesitant to put myself out there at first,\u201d she admits. \u201cBut I\u2019ve learned it\u2019s my spirit and my story that make my candles unique. People are drawn to things with heart and a personal touch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether used as healing candles or calming candles for everyday rituals, each product she creates is filled with meaning and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What success really means<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe most rewarding part isn\u2019t the money\u2014I spend more than I make,\u201d she says with a smile. \u201cWhat matters is knowing that when my husband passed, I could still find a way to teach, be there for my son with special needs, and build something I love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candle making brings together all the things she cares about: creativity, motherhood, community, and connection. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing to think that something I made might brighten someone\u2019s day, even if it\u2019s just through the little ritual of lighting a candle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A creative vision, realized<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As a visual artist and painter, she obsesses over the details\u2014fragrance, color, and design. \u201cI want my candles to smell incredible and look beautiful. The combination of color, scent, and a minimalist label\u2014it all matters.\u201d For her, the magic of the creative process is turning a vision into something tangible. \u201cThat\u2019s the most exciting part\u2014making something real that others can enjoy and bring into their own lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Altadena Candle Company<\/a> continues to grow, one candle at a time, fueled by purpose, community, and a whole lot of heart. Through the devastation of the Altadena fire and the ups and downs of small business life, the founder has shown what it means to rebuild with intention\u2014and to share light with others, even in the darkest moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avery is proud to support small businesses like Altadena Candle Company<\/a> and be a small part of their incredible journey.<\/em> Follow Marike’s journey on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out other customers who use Avery products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n