Exploring Life & Business with Marike Anderson of Altadena Candle Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marike Anderson.

Hi Marike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When my husband, Edwin, passed away in 2021, I went on leave from my career in public education to focus on healing and taking care of my son, Bodhi. I painted my way through my grief and also started teaching yoga, both of which helped me heal through a life-shattering time. As I was planning a women’s winter solstice retreat one year, I had the idea to make the attendees a candle to represent the returning light in the darkness of winter. I began to experiment and became infatuated with candle making. Through the encouragement of friends, I decided to start a candle company, a venture far outside of my professional comfort zone. Seeing that the natural environment and vibrant community of Altadena had been such a source of healing for me in my grief, I knew I could draw inspiration for my candle scents as Altadena Candle Company. That was in August 2024, six months before the Eaton Fire burned down my house and so much of our community.

Since the fire people have made comments about an Altadena candle brand triggering mixed emotions, and I understand that. After the wildfire, fire is a complicated thing. It’s no longer abstract or symbolic—it’s personal. Fire is what took my home. It’s what many of us are still grieving. But a candle isn’t fire that ravages. It’s a flame we light with intention, a reminder that fire can comfort instead of consume.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know anyone in life who has a smooth road. I, of course, have some big ticket items on my trauma list. I am a 46 year-old widow, I’m raising a child with special needs on my own, and my community and home burned down. There is a duality to these experiences that is more complicated than the “everything happens for a reason” trope. Moving through these challenges has been incredibly energy consuming, at times almost paralyzing. Also, grief, ego-death, and pain have been great teachers and guides toward living more authentically and courageously. I would never have left my career in education had grief not stripped me of my ability to show up for a career that no longer brought me joy or allowed me to be my full creative self. Starting my candle company was born from a painful realization after a family conflict that I do not have a safety net to rely on; I needed to go all in on surviving through my creativity. It forced me to work through self-doubt and fear that had plagued me throughout my life. I anticipate struggles throughout my life as that is the human journey. My hope is that they are new struggles that challenge me to grow in new ways, that soften my heart, sharpen my mind, and strengthen my spirit.

We’ve been impressed with Altadena Candle Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Altadena Candle Company in 2024 to celebrate the natural beauty and vibrant community of Altadena, California. I make all natural soy candles with phthalate free fragrance blends inspired by life in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Southern California. I also create custom candles for brands, organizations, and events using a collaborative design process. I also teach candle making classes designed to build community and to help people connect with their intentions for the season.

My brand is community inspired and intentionally personal. I want to be connected to my customers and clients and to make candles that ground, uplift, and delight them. I think many of them, like me, no longer want to surround ourselves with stuff made of questionable materials in factories far, far away. We want our possessions to reflect our values and purchases to support our local community.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
At some point in life, I realized that it wasn’t ability or talent that separated me from people who were manifesting their goals and dreams; it was audacity. I was so afraid of the humiliation of failing that I chose safe paths. I had to realize that nothing I did or created would be amazing at first, and that I would survive the potential humiliation of that imperfection. I started selling candles without polished design or business acumen, and have been learning along the way. As a painter and candlemaker, I also had to realize that, though there are many other artists and candlemakers, my unique energy, experience, and style offer something that is unique and new. Faith in the infinite abundance of the universe has been essential to stay focused on my own creative and business path, rather than competing with and comparing myself to other makers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.altadenacandleco.com
• Instagram: @altadenacandlecompany

Image Credits
All me!