A Story of Healing, Resilience, and Rebuilding Through Candle Making
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Customer spotlight: Altadena Candle Co.
When tragedy struck, Marike Anderson, the founder of Altadena Candle Company 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.
Turning grief into light
After losing her husband in 2021, the founder—then living in Altadena, CA—began 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. “Even when I wasn’t ready to face the grief directly, creating helped me feel connected again,” she says.
This journey of emotional recovery eventually led her to candle making, and the transition from public school teacher to creative entrepreneur began. “I realized this next phase of my life would be about raising my son and choosing a path grounded in creativity, authenticity, and community.”
The first candle and a new beginning
It started with a candle she made for a Winter Solstice women’s retreat—a 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. The art of candle making became not just an artistic outlet, but a way to nurture others.
A name that means something more
The name Altadena Candle Company was chosen with care. “I looked it up expecting someone else must already be using it, but no one was. I felt a responsibility to represent Altadena—a place rich with artists, history, and natural beauty,” she says. Staying hyperlocal was intentional—a response to the overwhelming national climate. “My power and creative energy are best used right here in my community.”
The impact of the Altadena fire
In January, everything changed again. The Altadena fire in January 2025, tore through her neighborhood, and her home was among those lost. “My first order of Avery labels arrived that morning. I was so excited—I’d spent the whole day making candles,” she recalls. That evening, she saw the mountains behind her home glowing with flames and knew what was coming.
One of the only things she wishes she’d saved? Her candle-making supplies. “My 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.”
Healing candles for a healing community
The process of fire recovery began almost immediately—reordering labels, wax, vessels, and scents. “Making candles again gave me a sense of purpose. It was a way to stay connected to Altadena, even though we were displaced.”
One of her most meaningful creations is a candle called Community Garden, a green, floral scent inspired by the local garden off Lincoln Blvd. in Altadena. “The garden became a symbol for me—of regrowth, of community resilience. It reminded me that nature, and people, can bloom again after loss.”
This connection to nature, especially in the wake of the Altadena fire, continues to influence her work. “Even at our burned-down lot, you can see green grass poking through the ash. It’s a reminder that we are part of nature, and we have the same ability to recover and grow.”
Why Avery?
In the early days of building her brand, she stumbled across the Avery design tool online while looking for label options. “I wasn’t in love with my design—I was new to it all. But I found Avery, and their design tool was easy and fun. I especially loved the hemp labels,” she says. “Now I always double-check my label orders before hitting submit. I’ve made so many mistakes, but that’s how I’ve learned. That’s how I got here.”
The power of personal touch
Running a small candle business comes with its fair share of doubt and anxiety—especially in an already crowded market. “There are so many candle makers out there. I was hesitant to put myself out there at first,” she admits. “But I’ve learned it’s my spirit and my story that make my candles unique. People are drawn to things with heart and a personal touch.”
Whether used as healing candles or calming candles for everyday rituals, each product she creates is filled with meaning and care.
What success really means
“The most rewarding part isn’t the money—I spend more than I make,” she says with a smile. “What 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.”
Candle making brings together all the things she cares about: creativity, motherhood, community, and connection. “It’s amazing to think that something I made might brighten someone’s day, even if it’s just through the little ritual of lighting a candle.”
A creative vision, realized
As a visual artist and painter, she obsesses over the details—fragrance, color, and design. “I want my candles to smell incredible and look beautiful. The combination of color, scent, and a minimalist label—it all matters.” For her, the magic of the creative process is turning a vision into something tangible. “That’s the most exciting part—making something real that others can enjoy and bring into their own lives.”
Altadena Candle Company 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—and to share light with others, even in the darkest moments.
Avery is proud to support small businesses like Altadena Candle Company and be a small part of their incredible journey. Follow Marike’s journey on Instagram.
