Why I Made the Shift: From Chemicals to Clean Candles

Why I Made the Shift: From Chemicals to Clean Candles

I was in the thick of motherhood. Nursing schedules, nap-time routines, toddler meltdowns, and moments where the only thing I craved was peace—just a little calm in the chaos.

Like so many of us, I used to reach for a candle or room spray to reset the atmosphere. But one day, standing in my kitchen with a baby in my belly, on my hip and a lavender-scented something spraying in the air, I paused after setting the bottle down and realizing I couldn't quite pronouce the ingredients in the spray that stated it was hypoallergenic and "All-Natural".

What am I spraying? What am I burning? And why can’t I pronounce any of this?

That moment was a turning point.
I started doing the research—and I didn’t like what I found. Harmful additives. Parabens. Phthalates. Synthetic ingredients that didn’t belong in a space where I was raising my babies, nourishing my family, or building my peace. And that's just what I could find out!  Several companies were not transparent about their sources or ingredients.

So I made a shift.
A shift to clean, non-toxic, feel-good scents.

That shift became J.R Candle Company.

More Than a Candle—A Commitment to Wellness

When I started this company, I didn’t just want to sell candles. I wanted to create an experience that honored health, home, and harmony.

Every J.R Candle is hand-poured in St. Louis using a premium coconut apricot crème wax—known for its clean, even burn and soft, luxurious feel. Our scents are phthalate-free, crafted with essential oils and thoughtfully blended to bring calm and comfort. And our FSC-certified wooden wicks offer that gentle crackle that turns a moment into a ritual.

We keep it non-toxic.
We keep it intentional.
Because peace should never come at the expense of your health.

Designed for the Whole Home (and Everyone in It)

Whether you're lighting one of our candles during your morning routine, winding down at night with one of our skin-nourishing body serums, or joining us in-store for a hands-on candle class—we're here to create moments that are safe, soothing, and deeply satisfying.

I make every product with the same care I give to my home and my family.
Because if it’s not good enough for them, it’s not good enough for your space either.

This is What the Shift Looks Like

Clean candles.
Thoughtful scents.
Self-care without compromise.

That’s the JRCC way.

Want to experience the shift for yourself?
Visit us in-store at 4256 Manchester Ave in The Grove, STL or explore our online collection.Tuesday thru Saturday 12pm - 6pm.

Because your peace should feel good and do good.

Follow Us and Stay Inspired!

We’d love to bring you even closer to the art of candle making and our luxury collection. Follow us for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and more:
📸 Instagram: @j.r_candlecompany
👍 Facebook: J.R Candle Company
💼 LinkedIn: Joí Riley

With gratitude and light,
Joi Riley
Founder + Lead Chandler
J.R Candle Company