Gifts for Whidbey Lovers:
For those enchanted by the beauty of Whidbey Island, our Whidbey Lovers collection is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest charm. These candles encapsulate the essence of the island's natural beauty, making it an ideal gift for anyone who holds a special place in their heart for Whidbey.
Gifts for Holiday Lovers:
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, and our Holiday Lovers collection brings that festive spirit to life. Illuminate your space with the warm and inviting scents of cinnamon, cloves, and evergreen. These candles are a perfect accompaniment to cozy gatherings and add a touch of holiday magic to your home.
Gifts for Sun Lovers:
Bring the warmth of the sun into your home with our Sun Lovers collection. These candles radiate uplifting scents that evoke the feeling of a sun-kissed day. Whether it's the citrusy notes of oranges or the comforting fragrance of summer blooms, our Sun Lovers candles are a delightful way to brighten any space and lift your spirits.
This holiday season, let Elm Design Candles be the source of joy and delight for your loved ones. Our Gift Guide offers a variety of scents and themes, ensuring that there's a perfect match for every personality and preference.
Explore the collections and make this festive season truly magical. Happy holidays from Elm Design Candles!
Crafting Memories Through Light
Elm Design Candles isn’t simply a candle company. It’s a creative hub of women who understand the significance of personalized experiences. With a deep appreciation for artistry and a commitment to excellence, we at Elm have established ourselves as a go-to destination for those seeking distinctive candles that speak volumes about their occasions.
Tailored Elegance for Every Occasion
See our offerings below, which allow you to add a meaningful touch to all your occasions.
Business and Marketing Events
Custom-made candles from Elm Design Candles offer businesses a unique way to enhance their branding or celebrate milestones. Whether it's launching a new product, hosting an event, or expressing gratitude to clients and employees, these candles can be customized with the company's logo, colors, and even a signature fragrance.
Weddings to Remember
At Elm Design Candles, we understand that weddings are a celebration of love and individuality. Our custom candle service allows couples to design candles that resonate with their wedding theme, from classic elegance to rustic charm. Selecting customized candle favors for guests; these candles symbolize the couple's transformative journey into a shared new life.
Baby Showers
Welcoming a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, and Elm Design Candles helps to capture this excitement through our custom-made candles. Choose colors that reflect the baby's gender or nursery theme and add adorable designs to create the perfect baby shower favors or decorations. These candles become treasured heirlooms, marking the arrival of a little one.
Celebrations
Elm Design Candles goes beyond the ordinary, offering custom candles for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and any other celebration that calls for a touch of elegance. These candles are more than just decorative pieces; they're heartfelt expressions of love and joy.
Crafting the Perfect Candle: Elm’s Design Process
Our design process is a seamless blend of creativity and precision, a collaboration between our skilled candlemakers and you, our client.
Our process begins with conceptualization, wherein we work with our clients to discuss vision, theme, and requirements. Whether it's a specific color palette, scent preference, or design idea, these elements form the foundation of the custom candle.
From there, the skilled artisans at Elm Design Candles translate the client's vision into exquisite designs. From intricate patterns to simple elegance, every candle is a masterpiece, bringing light to each unique event. Adding a personal touch like personalized labels or custom packaging turns every candle into a cherished keepsake. Using the finest materials and time-tested techniques, Elm candles are meticulously crafted to ensure they burn evenly, emit captivating scents, and maintain their beauty.
In a world where personalization and creativity are valued, Elm Design Candles stands as a beacon of light, offering a noteworthy way to celebrate life's most cherished moments. Through our custom-made candles, businesses, couples, and families infuse their occasions with the warmth, elegance, and artistry that only handcrafted, high quality candles can provide. So, whether it's a wedding, a business event, a baby shower, or any other celebration, let Elm Design Candles illuminate your moments with our bespoke creations.
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While you may already be acquainted with our best-selling scents, such as the evergreen Whidbey Woods, the invigorating Whidbey Sunrise, or the seaside Double Bluff Beach, there's an entire world of scents that draws inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes and captivating aromas of Whidbey Island.
In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a fragrant journey that unveils the hidden gems of Elm Design Candles' Whidbey-inspired scent repertoire. From the fresh Salt & Summer, reminiscent of a sea breeze, to the grounding affirmation scent of Intuition, each fragrance has been meticulously created to transport you to the heart of Whidbey Island, evoking its natural beauty and serene atmosphere with every flicker of the flame.
Scents similar to Whidbey Woods:
If you find solace and comfort in the evergreen scents of Whidbey Woods, then you'll love exploring Elm Design Candles' other aromatic offerings.
Scents similar to Whidbey Sunrise:
If you're drawn to the lively and vibrant energy of Whidbey Sunrise, then you'll adore the invigorating combinations we've come up with.
Scents similar to Double Bluff Beach:
If you crave those refreshing beach vibes like Double Bluff Beach then you'll want to try some of these "hit-the-beach" blends we come up with.
Scents similar to Gardenia Tuberose:
If you adore the fragrant bliss of garden florals like Gardenia Tuberose then check out these other dreamy blends.
So, get ready to ignite your senses and explore the captivating scents that pay homage to our beloved Whidbey Island. With Elm Design Candles, you can experience the magic and serenity of this island paradise, no matter where you are in the world.
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Choosing the Right Candle:
Before diving into candle care, it's important to start with a high-quality candle. At Elm Design Candles, we take pride in using sustainably USA-grown soy wax and carefully selected incredibly clean fragrance oils to deliver a superior product. Our candles are thoughtfully hand-poured and crafted to ensure a long-lasting and even burn.
Trim the Wick:
To achieve a clean and efficient burn, always remember to trim the wick before lighting your candle. A wick that is too long can create excess smoke, uneven burning, and soot buildup. We recommend trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each use. This simple step will help you maintain a steady flame and prevent any unwanted residue.
Allow for Proper Burn Time:
For the first burn, it's crucial to allow your candle to achieve a full melt pool. This means letting the wax melt all the way to the edges of the container. This process ensures that your candle burns evenly and avoids the dreaded "tunneling" effect, where wax is left unused along the sides. Ideally, burn your candle for at least one hour per inch in diameter to achieve a complete melt pool.
Extinguish Candles Safely:
Always prioritize safety when extinguishing your candles. We recommend using a candle snuffer instead of blowing to minimize smoke and wax splatter. Additionally, never leave a burning candle unattended or near flammable objects.
Avoid Drafts:
Drafts can disrupt the candle's flame and cause uneven burning. Place your candle in an area away from open windows, vents, or fans to ensure a consistent and even burn. This will help maximize the lifespan of your candle and prevent wax from melting unevenly.
Storage and Maintenance:
When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause fragrance degradation. Keep your candles dust-free by covering them with a lid or placing them inside a protective container.
Candle care is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your candles. By following these expert tips from Elm Design Candles, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while enjoying the beautiful fragrances our candles offer. Remember to trim the wick, allow for proper burn time, extinguish candles safely, and store them in optimal conditions. With these practices, you'll elevate your candle experience and continue to enjoy the soothing ambiance and exquisite scents that Elm Design Candles provides.
Enhance your home with our collection of handcrafted candles and let Elm Design Candles illuminate your space with warmth and elegance. Explore our wide range of scents and designs at https://elmdesigncandles.com/.
1. The Dangers of Cheap Paraffin Candles
Many mass-produced, low-quality candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. When burned, paraffin candles are suspected to release potentially harmful chemicals such as toluene and benzene, which are known to be carcinogens. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to indoor air pollution.
2. The Safer Alternative: Soy and Beeswax Candles
Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to paraffin candles. Soy and Beeswax candles are gaining popularity due to their natural composition and cleaner burning process. Soy wax is derived from soybean oil, while beeswax is produced by honeybees. Both types of candles burn without emitting toxins, making them a safer choice for your health. The wax that Elm Design Candles uses is made from sustainably sourced soy that is grown in the United States.
3. Understanding Fragrance Ingredients
In recent years, scientists have been studying the impact of phthalates on our health. These chemicals, apart from being known as disruptors of our hormonal system, have also been associated with a higher chance of developing breast cancer, fertility problems, and other health issues. Although more research is still being conducted to fully understand the risks of phthalate exposure, it's evident that it's best to steer clear of products containing these chemicals whenever possible.
At Elm Design Candles, we pride ourselves on using the highest-quality and most rigorously tested fragrance oils on the market. The company we buy oils from has an industry-leading safety standard and is committed to offering fragrance oils that are free of the following:
a) Phthalates
b) Carcinogenic
c) Mutagens
d) Reproductive Toxins
e) Organ Toxins
f) Acute Toxins
This commitment ensures a clean, non-toxic burning experience that won't compromise your health or indoor air quality.
4. The Importance of Proper Candle Care
5. The Benefits of Elm Design Candles
Elm Design Candles stands out as a brand that not only cares about your well-being but also offers an exquisite sensory experience. Here are some reasons why Elm Design Candles should be on your radar:
a) Premium ingredients: Elm Design Candles are handcrafted using 100% US-grown soy wax. This ensures a clean, soot-free burn that is safe for you and the environment.
b) Captivating fragrances: Each Elm Design Candle is meticulously scented with clean, non-toxic fragrance oils that provide a rich and long-lasting aroma. Their fragrance selection caters to various preferences, from soothing lavender to invigorating citrus.
c) Aesthetically pleasing design: Elm Design Candles not only infuse your space with delightful scents but also serve as beautiful decorative pieces. Their minimalist yet elegant design adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
While some scented candles may pose health risks due to their composition and manufacturing processes, choosing high-quality options like Elm Design Candles can provide a safe and enjoyable experience. By opting for candles made from natural waxes and fragrance oils derived from reputable vendors with extremely high standards, you can enhance the ambiance of your home without compromising your health. Remember to practice proper candle care and ventilation to ensure a pleasant and worry-free candle-burning experience.
Sources:
https://www.candlescience.com/introducing-candlescience-clean-scents/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-candles-bad-for-you/
]]>One of our favorite candles in this line is the "I am worthy of LOVE" candle, with an exotic blend of geranium, bergamot, and vetiver scent. This is the perfect way to remind yourself, YES - you ARE worthy of every bit of love out there!
The "I am COURAGEOUS" candle is another favorite, infused with a refreshing and invigorating mix of cypress, evergreen, and fir designed to help you tap into your inner depths of courageous strength. Elm Design Candles' new affirmation line is not only an excellent addition to personal self-care routines but also a meaningful gift for loved ones.
In conclusion, Elm Design Candles' new affirmation line is a great way to incorporate positive affirmations and self-care into daily routines. These handcrafted candles with clean, non-toxic fragrances and essential oils promote positivity and well-being, making them ideal for those looking to cultivate gratitude, boost their confidence, or create a relaxing atmosphere. Shop our collection now to enhance your self-care.
Teachers all over the planet play a critical role in shaping the minds of our future generations. They inspire, challenge, and encourage everyone to be their best selves. My child’s 4th grade teacher goes above and beyond. He firmly believes that a child needs exercise and fresh air multiple times a day! They go on trail hikes, run a half mile every day, play wall ball as a class, and have "Woods Wednesday" where they spend an hour in the woods writing about nature.
That's why it's essential to take the time to show them our appreciation. One way to do that is by giving them a thoughtful gift. And what better gift to give than the beautiful and all-natural Elm Design Candles?
Elm Design Candles are more than just candles; they're a way to unwind and relax after a long day of teaching. Made with all-natural ingredients, these candles create a calming and soothing atmosphere that any teacher will appreciate. Whether they're grading papers, preparing lesson plans, or dealing with difficult students, Elm Design Candles will help them de-stress and unwind.
Elm Design Candles come in a variety of scents, from refreshing and invigorating to warm and cozy. Some of the most popular scents include bergamot, cypress, lavender, sea salt, lemon verbena and grapefruit. Whatever scent you choose, your child's teacher will appreciate the thought and care that went into selecting the perfect gift for them.
In conclusion, teachers are vital in shaping the minds of future generations, and they deserve our appreciation. Elm Design Candles are a unique and thoughtful gift for teachers who work hard every day to educate and care for our children. These all-natural candles not only create a calming and soothing atmosphere but also add elegance to any room. With a variety of scents available, such as bergamot, cypress, lavender, sea salt, lemon verbena, and grapefruit, Elm Design Candles are the perfect gift for any teacher who needs to de-stress and unwind after a long day of teaching. Show your gratitude and appreciation for the amazing work that teachers do by giving them the gift of relaxation with Elm Design Candles.
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1. Handcrafted Soy Wax Candles - Elm Design Candles' candles are handcrafted using natural soy wax, which is eco-friendly and sustainable. The company takes pride in making every candle with care and attention to detail, reflecting the island's laid-back and friendly vibe.
2. Exceptional Designs - Elm Design Candles' unique candle designs and scents are inspired by the island's natural beauty and charm. Each candle is carefully crafted to reflect the island's coastal landscapes, wildlife, and flora. Visitors to Whidbey Island can bring home a piece of this unique and beautiful place with a candle from Elm Design Candles.
3. Premium Fragrances - Elm Design Candles uses premium fragrance oils to create delightful scents that evoke the island's natural aromas and ambiance. From the fresh scent of pine trees to the salty sea breeze, these fragrances capture the essence of Whidbey Island and make for the perfect souvenir or gift.
4. Hand-poured in Small Batches - Elm Design Candles hand-pours its candles in small batches on Whidbey Island, ensuring that each candle is of the highest quality and consistency. The company's attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in every candle, making them a perfect way to take a piece of Whidbey Island home with you.
Overall, Elm Design Candles is a special online destination for anyone who loves candles and Whidbey Island. Whether you're a visitor looking for a unique and beautiful souvenir, or a local looking for a high-quality candle that reflects the island's natural beauty, Elm Design Candles has something special to offer.
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Written by Nécole King
In our modern, consumer-driven world, words like “eco-friendly”, “sustainable”, and “clean” have become buzz words, often used to sell a less-than-clean product. Here at Whidbey Island-based Elm Design, we honor the meaning of those words with the intention of crafting mindfully made creations that do not our harm our environment, or our customers. In Founder Erin Morgan’s words: “Every day, I see more clear cuts on this island I love. More animals displaced, less trees to clean our air, depletion of our resources…and it makes me sad. I know it is happening everywhere and I’m trying to do what I can as a person, and as a company.”
In order to build a company with integrity, with a deeply felt regard for our natural surroundings, Elm has developed several strategies to approach true sustainability practices. Eco-friendly, reusable vessels including metal tins, glass, and ceramics hold our candles and reed diffusers. All of our products are packed for shipping in recyclable, or reusable (cardboard or paper) packaging. Elm also offers a refill program, where buyers can return used vessels to be given new life, filled with a fresh candle at a 10% discount, thereby saving that tin or jar from the landfill, as well as saving themselves a bit of money.
Our chakra candles go a step further, sold in a beautiful, handmade ceramic containers made by local ceramicist, Briggs Shore. These small pots, first used to hold our candles, are destined for future repurposing, being sold with a seed-infused packing paper which can be planted directly into our pots. The seeds are non-invasive species, as well.
As another means of staying true to its mission of mindful sustainability, Elm Design crafts its lines with quality oils and soy-based wax, purchased from a company that has a rigorous laboratory testing process. Elm believes it is important to create candles and diffusers that we can enjoy to the fullest without having to worry about ill effects on our health. Buyers can rest assured that our products do not contain carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive, organ or acute toxins, or phthalates. In addition, we use 100% soy wax in our candles, derived from US grown soybeans. This wax is vegan, paraffin-free, and petroleum free. This sustainable and renewable resource helps US farmers, and creates a long, clean, and even burning candle.
Finally, in order to benefit our immediate location, Elm donates a percentage of its profits to Whidbey Camano Land Trust, which works to preserve strategic land here on Whidbey, and Camano Island.
Elm Design takes an active role in working to create sustainable, non-harming products, because we believe, at the end of the day, that if everyone does their part, we can make a big difference together. We aim to further our positive impact in future, because we care deeply about nature, and our footprint upon our island, and the Earth.
]]>The Power of Aromatherapy and the Benefits of Scented Candles for Mental Health. Learn how scented candles made with essential oils and natural soy wax can improve your mental health and create a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Discover the benefits of aromatherapy and how Elm Design candles can enhance your well-being.
]]>At Elm Design, we are passionate about raising awareness for mental health and the role that aromatherapy can play in promoting well-being. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to promote physical and emotional health, and today, its popularity continues to grow as people seek natural ways to improve their mental and emotional health. One of the most common and effective ways to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy is through scented candles.
Candles made with essential oils and natural soy wax can create a clean and long-lasting burn that releases the fragrance of the oils into the air. Studies have shown that certain essential oils can have a profound impact on mental health. For example, lavender has a calming and relaxing effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Peppermint is invigorating and refreshing, providing a boost of energy and clarity. Eucalyptus is soothing for the respiratory system and can help to clear the mind, making it a great choice for meditation and relaxation.
Using scented candles in your home or office can help to create a peaceful and calming atmosphere, reducing stress and improving your overall mental health. The warm glow of the flame, combined with the fragrance of the essential oils, creates a sensory experience that can transport you to a place of peace and tranquility.
At Elm Design, we believe in the power of scent to bring comfort and peace to the mind and body, and we are dedicated to making high-quality, natural candles that help to promote mental health and well-being. Our elegant and modern packaging makes our candles the perfect addition to any room, whether you're looking to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room or a calming and peaceful space in your bedroom.
So why not try an Elm Design candle today and experience the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy for yourself! Whether you're seeking peace and relaxation, a boost of energy, or simply a way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, our candles are designed to enhance your mental health and bring a sense of well-being to your daily life.
To read more about supporting small, women owned businesses, click here.
]]>In today's market, it can be easy to overlook the small, independent businesses that are making a big impact. At Elm Design, we are proud to be a small, woman-owned business that is dedicated to providing high-quality, hand-poured products that support your self-care routine. By choosing to support small businesses like ours, you are not only getting a great product, but you are also making a positive impact on your community and the world.
Why Choose Elm Design for Your Self-Care Needs?
As a small, woman-owned business, we are passionate about creating products that make a difference in our customers' lives. Our chakra candles, for example, are hand-poured with soy wax and infused with essential oils and colors that correspond to the seven chakras. Whether you're looking to ground yourself, open your heart, or align your crown, our candles are the perfect addition to your self-care routine.
We understand the importance of self-care and are dedicated to creating products that help you make it a priority. Our commitment to quality and affordability means that you can feel good about your purchase, both in terms of the product you receive and the impact you're making by supporting a small, woman-owned business.
Why Support Small, Woman-Owned Businesses?
Small businesses drive economic growth and create jobs, and woman-owned businesses are often leaders in their industries and communities. Additionally, small, woman-owned businesses are more likely to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility, making your purchase an investment in a better future.
At Elm Design, we are proud of what we have accomplished and we are grateful for our customers who make it possible for us to do what we love every day. We believe in the power of self-care to change lives, and we are committed to making it accessible and affordable for everyone.
So, next time you're in the market for a self-care product, consider Elm Design. Your purchase will make a big impact on a small business, and you'll also be supporting a community of entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world. Start uplifting your life and space with our high-quality, hand-poured candles today!
To read about how candles increase productivity in the workplace, click here.
Let’s get to know Meggan Lubach, Elm Design’s Production Specialist, and second in command. Meggan gives off an incredibly capable, relaxed vibe, yet still manages to keep up with a very busy life, as well as a full workload at Elm, crafting each unique, hand-poured candle. She does it all with grace, and a warm smile.
Nécole: First off, Meggan, tell me a bit about yourself and your life outside of Elm Design Candles.
Meggan: I have been lucky enough to live on Whidbey for over 38 years…my family relocated from Longview, Washington in the early 80’s. My husband Brion and I have Carson who is 21 and got married to his wife Melody last year and Braedon who is almost 13. I love that my mom and her husband, as well as my brothers, all still live on the island….it has been rewarding watching our boys and their cousins grow up together. We love to travel, go camping, hiking, play pickleball…really anything outdoors. I have worked for The Inn at Langley for 10 years as their Finance Manager and Group Sales Coordinator, a dream job really as I love the team that I have the opportunity to work with. The flexibility of my job at The Inn has also allowed me to coach volleyball at SWHS for the last 14 years as well as taking on a new role as assistant coach to my son Braedon’s club volleyball team this year.
Nécole: Wow! You have a serious amount of life going on! That’s quite inspiring that you manage so much, and truly seem to love doing it all. On top of all that, how did you come to start working with Erin (Morgan, Founder) at Elm?
Meggan: Erin and I happened to run in to each other at the coffee stand in the Fall of 2021 and now, here we are! I am so grateful that Erin put her trust in me and allows me to be a part of her business that is so near and dear to her heart…. the story behind Elm is very inspiring!
Nécole: (Readers, see our previous blog post on our founder, Erin Morgan, to catch up on her very moving story.) That is so fortuitous, and wonderful, given that 2021 was such a strange and challenging year, with a global pandemic turning life upside down. I think it’s a true sign of optimism and strength that you took on something new and became the force at Elm that you are now, less than two years later.
How has the learning process been for you, taking on this new role as Candlemaker Extraordinaire?
Meggan: I find the candle making process to be very therapeutic and rewarding. The idea of creating something that puts a smile on somebody’s face makes me happy.
Nécole: Candle making seems to really fill a need many of us found we had during the early Covid months: that desire to create, to take time to find a calming, rewarding space in a life that is typically run at a harrying pace.
Meggan: Exactly! My husband says that this job has changed me….and I would agree. I feel a sense of calm from my time working at Elm. Erin and I have the best time together. I am so excited to see what the future has in store for us!
Nécole: As you should be! I can’t wait to see where both you and Erin lead Elm in the coming months and years.
Alright, fun fact time: What’s your favorite of the Elm scents?
Meggan: Oh, this is a tough one. Really it depends on my mood. I have always been a candle girl…I tend to be drawn to more citrus and floral scents, but in my pouring, I have discovered I like a pretty wide variety of scents. Double Bluff, Whidbey Sunrise and one of our holiday scents, Naughty but Nice are some of my faves.
Nécole: It’s a luxury that you have so many unique and beautiful fragrances to choose from…all thanks to your, and Erin’s, hard work! Tell me: do you take your work home with you…i.e., the Elm goods? Just how many candles do you own, or do you like an olfactory break, after spending hours crafting all those deliciously scented candles?
Meggan: While we have our bestselling year-round scents, we like to introduce a few new scents each season, so we are always testing out new possibilities. Which means, yes, I do get to trial our products. I love getting feedback from Brion and Braedon when I bring new samples home. This way, I can be sure that our buyers are getting the very best quality product, every time they purchase an Elm creation.
Nécole: A major perk, it sounds, in a role with so many perks! Congratulations on finding this calling that lights you up and makes the world a brighter, and better smelling, place.
To read about how Erin founded Elm Design click here.
]]>We, at Elm Design, have put together a nifty gift guide filled with loads of suggestions for all your nearest and dearest. Why? Because we too feel like we all could use a little more dazzle, and a lot less frazzle this holiday season! Let the gifting commence!
Keep it holiday-centric, this crew LOVES Christmas Cheer. Opt for the spiced warmth of Yuletide Carols, reminiscent of time spent hearthside with family and friends. Brisk and pine-scented Whidbey Winters, or cozy Sweaters on the Cove will delight one and all. Your sweet and sassy gift-ees, will be delighted by Naughty but Nice, with its complex blend of cardamom and cream.
You know who we’re talking about here. Those peaced-out sweethearts who wax nostalgic for the 60’s: bellbottoms, tie dye, Woodstock, and all. Hippie Bookworm and Fireside Nights will totally be their vibe. For your yogi friends, pick up one of our Chakra candles – Root Chakra or Sacral Chakra are especially certain to enhance meditation practice.
Either Whidbey Woods or Mountain Juniper are guaranteed to please. Bring the outdoors in, with either of these breezy, refreshing scents.
It may be chilly outside, but our fresh, citrus scents: salty Double Bluff Beach, or joyful Whidbey Sunrise will recall brighter days spent traipsing on one of Whidbey’s beautiful seafronts. Trust: the babes will thank you.
Sleigh Bells Reed Diffuser is a savvy alternative to burning candles, with its clean, bright fragrance. Cascade Calm offers a soothing, spa-like olfactory experience. Your discerning recipient will feel like they just breezed out of the swankiest retreat.
All of our chakra candles are destined to be received as thoughtful, one of kind gifts. Each comes in a unique ceramic container, made by local artist, Briggs Shore, and with a gemstone and oil blend specific to each chakra.
Listen: They may roll their eyes as you discuss scent and fragrance, but any of our robust, invigorating candles will please even the most macho dudes. Try Whidbey Woods or Mountain Juniper for your forest lovers, earthy Fireside Nights, or cozy-in-a-cool-way Yuletide Carols. (Added bonus: for those extra, ahem, musky men…these candles are your new best friend.)
All those chums who can’t get enough of Whidbey will be thrilled by our namesake candles. Choose from pine-scented Whidbey Woods, calming Whidbey, I’m Home, or the sea-salty, citrussy goodness of Double Bluff Beach, to tide (wink, wink) them over until their next Whidbey visit.
Happy Holidays, One and All! May the season be Merry and Bright.
In the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
With Love and Good Cheer,
The Team at Elm Design Candles
Elm Design Candles was begun by Erin Morgan, in the Spring of 2020. After undergoing the heartbreaking loss of a dear family friend, Erin sought to heal her soul through creative endeavors, and stumbled upon candle making. The rest, as they say, is history. Or it will be in time. Here is a chat between the vivacious, open-hearted, force of nature herself, Erin Morgan, founder and creator of Elm Design, and me (Nécole). For imagery purposes, know that Erin has a radiant smile, and an ever-present, infectious laugh. This was present throughout much of our time talking.
Nécole: Tell me how Elm Design began. What was the event, or chain of events, that led you to create a business making and selling candles?
Erin: As a child, I was always creating: sewing Barbie clothes, painting, drawing…any way I could bring my imagination into the real world. Unfortunately, as I aged, creative pursuits took less precedence than the demands of day-to-day life. I explored my creative side again while battling breast cancer, but it wasn’t until November of 2019 that I would seek to nourish my creative side to once again heal my soul.
Nécole: What happened in your life at this point?
Erin: I had just decided to leave my long-time, stable, well-paying job to try another. I needed a change, but I wasn’t yet sure what I was after. The first day I started my new job, our (my husband and my) best friend, Leif, ended up in the hospital with Stage 4 melanoma. He died two days later, on his 46th birthday. His loss devastated our community, our circle of friends, and our family. We were all sinking into a deep grief, and I knew I needed a way to help raise myself from the depths of this grieving. Somehow, I stumbled upon candle making, and immediately fell in love with the process.
The scents, the creating process…it was amazing and soul-filling. I started giving away candles as gifts, and people loved them! I wasn’t finding fulfillment in my new career, and couldn’t wait for each day to end, so I could get home to continue exploring my new craft.
After a year of making candles on the side and working full time at a “safe” job, I decided to take the leap. I left my job to pursue my passion.
Nécole: I imagine this was quite a massive leap! How did it feel for you?
Erin: Terrifying, exciting, overwhelming! All sorts of emotions ran through me…they still do!
I started believing in myself and putting energy out into the universe that this was going to work. I reached out to local vendors, presenting my products, and to my great surprise, they loved them! I now have fifteen wholesale stores selling my products, eleven on Whidbey, and four off-island.
Nécole: That is a huge feat! Not only to take the risk of starting your own business, but to bet on yourself, and what you have to offer! What is it about Whidbey that inspires you to name many of your products after local places?
Erin: Growing up on Whidbey Island, I couldn’t wait to get off the rock, and explore the world. Little did I know that Bellingham (and Western Washington University) was far enough for me! My happy places are in the woods with my family and my dog, on the beach, in the lakes, or in my kayak…anywhere in nature.
The island community is another reason I love Whidbey. When I was battling cancer, this incredible community came together and raised $50,000 for my medical bills. I have always wanted to honor that gift, but until I started Elm Design, I never knew how to do so. Now I have the chance to honor all the special places and people, while giving a powerful aromatherapy experience based on my love of our island home.
Nécole: I love that. So few of us figure out a way to give back, while also generating an income that allows us to live, and do good work in the world. As a small business owner, what do you offer that other candle companies do not?
Erin: We are Whidbey-centric! At Elm Design, we strive to recreate the essence of living on this serene, laid-back, nature-filled island. From the smells and inspiration of the salt water and cedar forests, we infuse our products with the never-ending beauty of Whidbey Island.
We create everything by hand. Every vessel, every wick, every label is touched by our hands, as we go through the process of ensuring we provide a high-quality product that customers love and can rely on.
We have a high standard for ingredients in our products. I only purchase fragrance oils from one company that has a rigorous testing process in place for all of their oils. If it isn’t clean, I don’t buy it.
We strive to use eco-friendly vessels, and sustainable practices in our business.
Nécole: That is why your candles and diffusers are so amazing! The love you put into each creation truly shows. Where do you see Elm Design in five years’ time?
Erin: I’d love to see Elm Design products offered around the country, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest. We will have a dedicated production space, rather than my kitchen and upstairs office! It is my goal to have Elm Design achieve financial stability, and to offer full time jobs to staff. We will continue to create innovative scents that our customers can’t get enough of…fragrances that lift them from the boring, day to day grind…that brighten their mornings, wrap their sorrows and grief in love, bring back memories of loved ones, and bring about much needed smiles and joy.
Nécole: That is a grand, and no doubt, very achievable goal for you! Last question: what is your favorite scent?
Erin: I love all of our scents, so it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one…but I do have a few top favs! I tend to gravitate towards earthy, musky scents, so I love Hippie Bookworm, in all its spicy, earthy sexiness! I also absolutely adore the Root Chakra scent, with its grounding frankincense and spicy ginger notes. And I can never get enough of our Sacral Chakra scent either! It has warm sandalwood blended with bright, sunny citrus notes.
Nécole: It’s no wonder you make such beautiful creations! Combining your passion for creating, with your love of your home island…it really does seem like you’re living the dream here.
About the author:
An island transplant of ten years, Nécole is a native Pacific Northwesterner. Having spent years reveling in travel and living an expat lifestyle overseas, she ultimately landed here on Whidbey Island. Nécole immediately felt a pull on her heart, announcing that she’d found Home.
Nécole loves the ocean, reads obsessively, talks incessantly, writes sporadically, and laughs exactly the right amount. (Which is loudly, and often.) When not teaching yoga or socializing, she can generally be found in her favorite indoor space: the kitchen.
To read more about aromatherapy and mental health click here.
]]>It’s amazing how our brain perks up when detecting a pleasant smell. Research has proven time and time again that lighting a candle positively affects the brain in many different situations. As much as we love the cozy seasons we’ve always found it a little harder to be productive at work during the colder seasons. So we did a little research and we created the perfect solutions that keeps us performing to our highest abilities all year long!
Need a focus booster?
Look for scents like rosemary, sage and peppermint. These scents are known for sparking new ideas and will help you remember all the items on your to-do list.
Try these scents: Winter Cabin, Throat Chakra
Need a jolt of energy or more motivation?
Look for citrus aromas. Orange, grapefruit, lime - Lemon specifically appeals to your concentration with a calming and clarifying benefit. If you’re not a citrus person, eucalyptus is a wonderful alternative that’ll wake you up.
Try these scents: Whidbey Sunrise, Whidbey Awakens, Whidbey, I’m Home
Need to chill?
Lavender, chamomile and jasmine are the most popular choices. Some prefer candles that trigger fond memories of their childhood, like ocean breeze or fresh linen. Whatever you choose, these scents are best reserved for when you’re winding down at the end of a long work day.
Try these scents: Cascade Calm, Heart Chakra, Crown Chakra
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