Katy Zales of Burbank on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Katy Zales and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Quiet escapes! I love getting lost in the rhythm of a run or a long walk in nature, just me, the sky, and whatever thoughts decide to show up. Nature reminds me to slow down and notice what I usually rush past. It’s in these moments that I get to reset my mind and reignite what drives me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Katy — candle pourer, adventure seeker, and the heart behind Shoppe 815. My mission is simple: to help you find your fire and never let it burn out.

I started Shoppe 815 to create scents that spark memories of your best adventures and remind you to make space for new ones. I believe every day is an adventure, even the quiet ones, and those small, meaningful moments deserve to be celebrated.

Each candle is hand-poured in distressed tins (on a custom machine my dad built!) and designed to make you pause: to remember campfires with friends, early-morning coffee, or a crisp autumn walk. Shoppe 815 isn’t just a candle company; it’s a lifestyle built around having a Scents of Adventure™.

As an advocate for mental health and brain injury awareness, I’m passionate about creating tools that help you slow down, reset, and reconnect with what matters most.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Riding on the back of my dad’s motorcycle. I was so small my feet barely reached the footpegs, but the moment we took off, no walls, no roof, just wind around me, was the feeling of freedom, and it was powerful. It’s a feeling I still chase today.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That I’m a warrior. I’ve learned when to ease off the gas, but I never slam the brakes. No matter how rough the road gets, I keep cruising toward what I’m passionate about.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to leaving the world brighter than when I got here. Every day, I try to be the reason someone smiles, whether it’s through my candles, my words, or just a small act of kindness. It’s an endless, attainable goal that I can chase for the rest of my life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I get to the end of the day and realize my to-do list is still staring back at me, untouched. That’s my red flag. I’m either overwhelmed, distracted, or forcing myself down a road I don’t actually want to be on. If I’m reading my own plans like they’re written in a foreign language, it’s time to bail.

That’s when I call in a “quiet escape”, ditch the desk, get outside, and let fresh air and a good view reboot my brain. Nine times out of ten, I come back with clarity and a little fire inside.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shoppe815.com
• Instagram: @shoppe815
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoppe815
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shoppe815

Image Credits
Katy Zales