Clean Candles: What That Actually Means

When I first started making candles, I didn’t just want them to smell good—I wanted them to feel good too. Safe. Trustworthy. Something I could light around my kids without hesitation. Something that wouldn’t make me question what I was breathing in.

That’s when I started digging into what was actually in most candles. And honestly? It was a little overwhelming. Terms like “clean-burning” or “natural” are thrown around a lot, but they don’t always mean what you think they do.

So, I want to break it down—plain and simple—what I mean when I say our candles are clean.

1. We use soy wax, not paraffin.

Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct, and when burned, it can release chemicals into the air. Soy wax is plant-based, renewable, and burns more cleanly. It also gives a beautiful, even melt pool and a longer-lasting burn—so it’s a win all around.

2. Our fragrances are free from phthalates and toxins.

This part was non-negotiable for me. All our fragrance oils are carefully selected to be free from harmful additives like phthalates, parabens, and other known toxins. We source from trusted suppliers and check every batch.

3. We use cotton wicks with no lead or heavy metals.

Some candles still use wicks with metal cores, which can release heavy metals when burned. Our wicks are all-cotton or cotton-paper blends, giving you a clean, safe burn every time.

4. Everything is made with intention.

From the vessels we use to the way we pour each candle by hand, everything is done with care. Our candles are small-batch, meaning more attention to detail and more heart.

When you light a candle in your home, it should feel like an invitation, not a question mark. That’s why we do things the way we do. So you can focus on the warmth, the glow, the scent… and feel good about what you're bringing into your space.

If you’ve ever wondered what “clean candles” really means, now you know.

From our home to yours,

Jessica Cook

Creating a Scent Story for Your Home

When I started making candles, I was chasing a feeling—something warm, grounding, and peaceful. I’ve always believed scent is one of the most powerful ways to create that feeling in your home. Just like colors or textures, fragrance can help tell a story about who you are and how you want to feel in your space.

Over time, I started thinking of my home as having its own “scent story.” A unique signature that changes with the seasons, the light, or even just my mood. Some days I want something bright and energizing, like Grapefruit Bliss, to wake up the house. Other days call for something soft and cozy like Amber Noir, perfect for quiet evenings and slowing down.

What I love most is how scent has the ability to welcome people in—without saying a word. Friends will walk through the door and immediately say, “It smells so good in here.” It makes them feel comfortable, relaxed, at home. That’s the magic.

If you're new to the idea of creating a scent story, here are a few ways to start:

• Pick a signature scent. Choose one candle or diffuser that really feels like you. This becomes the “anchor” of your home fragrance story.

• Layer with intention. Think about using different scents in different rooms—something fresh and bright in the kitchen, something calm and soothing in the bedroom.

• Let the seasons guide you. I always swap out scents as the weather shifts. Citrus and mint in spring and summer, spice and wood notes in the fall, deep resins or fir in winter. It keeps things feeling new and aligned with the season.

• Make it a ritual. Lighting a candle when you come home or start your morning can be a small way to ground yourself. It sets the tone, even before your day begins.

At Scent of Home, every fragrance we make is created with this idea in mind—helping you craft an intentional, comforting space that reflects your life and your rhythm.

Because home should feel like you. And scent can help tell that story.

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Want help picking out a scent that fits your story? Take a look at our year-round fragrances or drop me a message—I'd love to help.

Making Space for Meaning: Why Choose a Boutique Candle Over Big-Name Brands?

Scent is one of the most powerful ways to make a house feel like a home. Whether it’s the fresh brightness of citrus in the morning or the warm, grounding notes of amber in the evening, fragrance has the ability to anchor us, comfort us, and inspire us.

With so many candle and fragrance options on the market, including big-name staples like Yankee Candle, Voluspa, P.F. Candle Co., and trendy picks like Boy Smells and Otherland, it’s easy to default to what’s familiar. These brands have earned their place on shelves everywhere.

But if you’re craving something more personal, more grounded, and more reflective of your everyday life, it might be time to try something different. That’s where Scent of Home comes in.

What Makes Boutique Brands Like Ours Different?

We’re not trying to compete with household names. In fact, we admire what brands like Capri Blue's Volcano, P.F. Candle Co., Voluspa, and even the luxury offerings from Le Labo have done in bringing fragrance into more homes. Even Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle have their place in many households. But we also believe there’s something special about choosing a product that feels like it was made just for you.

At Scent of Home, our candles and reed diffusers are designed to feel luxurious, without the luxury price tag. Every product is hand-poured with care, using clean, sustainable materials and thoughtful fragrance blends that bring comfort and style into your space.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Affordable Luxury: We offer the elevated look, scent, and quality of high-end brands, but with prices that start at $24, not $38 or $55. Even our most luxurious candle is priced below what many larger brands charge for a standard size.

• Clean, Non-Toxic Ingredients: All of our products are made with phthalate-free fragrance oils and toxin-free materials, something we believe should be standard, not a premium feature.

• Small-Batch Craftsmanship: Each candle and diffuser is made in small batches, ensuring quality and consistency from start to finish.

• Fragrances That Feel Like Home: Our seasonal and signature scents are inspired by real moments and emotions, not just trends or product lines. Think "Spring Renewal" rather than "No. 57."

• A Personal Touch: We’re a small, family-owned business. Every order is packed with intention, care, and the hope that it brings a sense of warmth and joy to your space.

There’s Room for Both

We’re not here to say you should stop buying from big brands. We love a good Target run just as much as anyone. But we also believe there’s room in every home for something more meaningful. A candle that reminds you of the place you grew up. A diffuser that quietly fills the air with a scent you’ve come to associate with peace.

Choosing a smaller brand isn’t just about fragrance; it’s about connection. It’s about knowing who made what you’re buying and supporting a story that aligns with your own.

Why Reed Diffusers Deserve a Spot in Every Home

If you love a home that smells fresh and inviting but don’t always want to light a candle, reed diffusers might just be your new favorite thing. Subtle yet effective, beautiful but low-maintenance, these fragrance powerhouses offer a clean and effortless way to keep your space smelling amazing 24/7.

A Flame-Free Alternative That Smells Just as Good

Reed diffusers are the perfect option for anyone who wants the luxury of fragrance without the need for an open flame. Whether you're busy, have little ones or pets running around, or just prefer a more hands-off scent experience, reed diffusers give you peace of mind. There’s nothing to light, nothing to blow out, and nothing to worry about.

Clean Ingredients for a Clean Home

Just like our candles, our reed diffusers are crafted with clean, non-toxic fragrance blends you can feel good about. No harsh chemicals, no synthetic dyes. Just a beautiful way to scent your space naturally. And because there's no soot or smoke, your air stays as fresh as your home smells.

Always On. Always Inviting.

One of the best things about reed diffusers? They’re always working. From the moment you place the reeds in the oil, they begin releasing fragrance into the air subtly and continuously. That means your home smells great all day, every day, even when you’re not thinking about it.

Cost-Effective + Long-Lasting

Another win: Reed diffusers are incredibly cost-effective. One diffuser can last six months or more, making it a smart, sustainable choice for keeping your home smelling fresh without needing constant attention or replacement. Plus, with a refill option available, it's easy to refresh your scent without buying a whole new setup.

A Staple for Every Space

Reed diffusers are discreet yet elegant. Perfect for entryways, bathrooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you want a consistent scent that welcomes you in. They blend in beautifully with your decor and quietly elevate your space every single day.

The Story Behind Scent of Home

There’s something special about walking through the front door and feeling instantly at ease — the warmth, the familiarity, and the comforting scent that makes everything feel just right. That feeling is what inspired Scent of Home.

I started this business at a time when I was searching for something — a creative outlet, a sense of purpose, and honestly, a way to reconnect with myself. After years of pouring into my family and everything else around me, I needed something that was just mine. Making candles began as a quiet, personal project, but it quickly grew into something much bigger — something that brought joy, creativity, and a whole lot of heart back into my life.

At the same time, I’ve always loved the cozy, welcoming feeling of a candle burning in the background. But I didn’t love the idea of bringing something into our home that might not be clean or safe, especially with little ones around. So I set out to create candles and home fragrances that were beautiful, luxurious, and safe for our family and yours.

Every product I make is crafted with care, poured in small batches, using toxin-free ingredients and sustainable practices. The fragrances are inspired by moments, memories, and the changing seasons — like the bright, sun-soaked notes of Golden Hour or the cozy, nostalgic scent of Fraser Fir.

Scent of Home isn’t just about candles. It’s about creating space for slowing down, being present, and finding comfort in the everyday. It’s about lighting a candle that makes your home feel more like you.

Whether you're here to treat yourself or find the perfect gift, I hope you find something that brings a little more warmth and calm to your day.

With love,
Jessica Cook
Founder, Scent of Home

Welcoming Growth with Our New Candle Studio

Hello, dear readers! I'm thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with you through our very first blog post. This blog will serve as a canvas for our thoughts, updates, and behind-the-scenes peeks, knitting us closer as a community. Today, I'm eager to share a significant milestone in our journey—a transformation that marks a new era for our beloved candle business.

The Spark of Change: From Kitchen to Candle Studio

For the longest time, the heart of our operations beat within the cozy confines of my kitchen. This space, where family meals and warm memories intertwined, also cradled the birth and growth of our candles. Each product was crafted with love, amidst the aroma of dinner on the stove and laughter in the air. However, as our candle family grew, so did the challenges of juggling a bustling household and a growing business under one roof.

Igniting New Possibilities: The Creation of Our Candle Studio

The dream of having a dedicated space for our candle-making process has finally come to fruition. With immense excitement, I introduce our brand-new candle studio, ingeniously nestled within the garage. This transformation is more than just a change of location; it's a leap toward greater creativity, efficiency, and quality in every candle we pour.

Why This Change Matters

Uninterrupted Creativity: No longer will we need to set up and tear down our workspace with each candle-making session. This means more time for what we love—creating candles that bring warmth and joy into your homes.

Enhanced Productivity: A dedicated studio allows us to streamline our processes, manage our inventory more effectively, and ultimately, bring more of your favorite candles to life, faster than ever.

Quality and Innovation: With a space tailored to our craft, we can focus more on innovation and quality control, ensuring every candle that leaves our studio is a masterpiece in its own right.

Looking Ahead

This new chapter isn't just about a physical space; it's about embracing growth, facing new challenges head-on, and enriching the bond we share with you—our community. The candle studio represents our commitment to bring you the best of what we do, with even more passion and dedication.

As we light this new candle in our journey, I invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and of course, candles that fill your life with light and fragrance.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support fuels our passion and makes dreams like this possible. Here's to many more chapters filled with light, love, and scented memories.

Warmly,

Jessica Cook