I was initially planning to write about a guide list of local scented candle shops/stores here in the Philippines that I love. As someone who collects candles, I have expanded my appreciation and know-how for candles and their scents beyond what i’ve learned in my Pharmacognosy class wayback. One interesting and inspiring part of this candle collection journey is getting to know some of the stories of the chandlers behind the scented candles that I lit or warm.

So read along as I share the stories behind Somewhere Candle Co and Wicked Candles PH, and the reasons why i feel so much connected with their scented candles.

SOMEWHERE CANDLE CO.

My experience with Somewhere Candles is like that feeling of “love at first sight”… That very same feeling whenever I travel to a new destination. Their candles are named after foreign travel destinations, some of which I have visited, others, I am longing to see. My Somewhere candle collection started with an Iceland and a Switzerland candles. The moment I opened the candles, the smell immediately transported me back to my backpacking adventures in Reykjavik and Zurich. Today, I now have 11 SCC candles with the goal of completing all their “escape” candle collection.

Going over Somewhere Candle’s Instagram feed, I have learned from a post made by their CEO, Ms Sandra, that their candle making journey started during the pandemic. According to Miss Sandra, a lot of things changed affecting both their family’s travel plans and business. It was particularly challenging for her since she has been in the travel and tourism industry (as she owns a travel agency that help people to explore the world) for about 10 years. The pandemic made her pause, reflect and find new inspiration.

From this, she started to imagine creating candles that would remind her of her favorite and dream destinations, especially in a time when travelling and exploring isn’t possible. This gave birth to “Somewhere” and the candle’s brand.

It’s true that we cannot always travel whenever, and I am glad that Somewhere candles can bring me to those special travel feelings I have been missing. As a travel enthusiast, Somewhere’s candles spoke directly to my heart especially at a time where I personally can no longer actively travel. Somewhere candles has literally become my momentary escape.

WICKED CANDLES PH

I was just browsing my Instagram one time, when i chanced upon Wicked Candles’ account. I immediately skimmed over their posts and I found myself fascinated with the array of candles they offer. Moreover the candles names are pretty interesting that further caught my attention. I instantly sent them a message and asked more about their candles. To cut the story short, I ended up ordering one of their 3-wick candles called “Secret Garden”. Today I have 5 other scents called Caribbean Cruise, Gentleman, Slice of Summer, Winter Wonderland and Springtime. All of which have distinct beautiful fragrant combination of notes that are extremely relaxing. I can’t even choose a personal favorite because they all smell so good.

Wicked Candle is one of those candle shops that stirred my curiosity to know how they started out. I sent a message to the owner and asked about the inspiration behind Wicked. When I have learned about Wicked’s story, it made me realize why I felt a certain connection with their candles.

According to Mr Dominic, Wicked’s owner, it all started with the loss of his “baby”, Gabby, a cream pomeranian. He said that as an adult living in the city, he really doesn’t want any pets as it will hinder him from making life plans like vacations and the like. But to cut the long story short, he ended up getting one, Gabby — the doggo who captured his heart and his being despite the added responsibilities he knew he would be dealing with.

I totally agree when Mr Dominic said that as furparents, awe give so much love and care to our pets that they become our kids. And that one of the most difficult situations one has to face is saying goodbye to them. He further shared that when Gabby passed away, he would always light up a candle for him thinking that the light will guide him in the afterlife. He further quipped that and that the warmth of the candle’s flame symbolises his love for him.

So instead of buying alot of candles from the mall to make sure he has one lit candle for him, he decided to learn more about candles and started crafting realizing the joy a lit candle brings. With this, Wicked Candles PH came about.

Mr Dominic’s story resonated to me simply because i have dogs whom i love so much. I love the fact that the very reason why he started his candle business is his love for his dog. And i totally agree when he said that lighting up a candle fills up our space with calming scents and offers a peaceful vibe.

Thank you dear chandlers for your talent and skill in crafting these amazing, comforting (and pretty) candles, and the inspiring stories behind them.