The Story Behind Westlake Handmade

How a chaotic day job, curiosity, and a love for small rituals turned into a handmade candle brand.

We light candles for all kinds of reasons.

To unwind after a long day.
To slow down a busy morning.
Simply because we want to.

But Westlake Handmade didn’t start as a business idea. It started as a way for me to slow down.

A Little Background

My regular job is fast. Like really fast. 

Emails, decisions, problems to solve, everything moving at 100 mph. And while I love every minute of it, I realized I needed something in my life that moved at a completely different pace.

Something slower.
Something creative.
Something that used my hands instead of my inbox.

That’s where candle making quietly entered the picture.

Small Rituals Matter More Than We Think

I’ve always believed the small things in a home make the biggest difference.

Lighting a candle while cooking dinner.
Taking ten slow breaths before the day starts.
Letting a scent fill a room while you read or watch TV.

Those little rituals make a space feel personal.

And honestly? They make us feel a little more human in the middle of our busy lives.

That belief became the heart of Westlake Handmade.

My Curiosity Took Over (In the Best Way)

Here’s something about me: when I start learning something, I want to understand everything behind it.

Not just how to make a candle.

But:

• Why some waxes burn better
• How fragrance oils behave or misbehave in different blends
• Why wicks can become your number one enemy
• What makes a scent feel calm vs energizing

What started as a hobby slowly turned into years of experimenting, testing, and researching.

Basically… I fell down the candle rabbit hole. And I loved every minute of it.

When Friends Started Asking for More

At some point, friends and family started asking if I had more candles.

Then more soaps.
Then gifts for birthdays and holidays.

And that’s when it hit me.

Maybe this quiet little hobby could become something bigger.

Something handmade.
Something intentional.
Something that felt like the opposite of mass production.

That’s how Westlake Handmade was born.

Slow Craft, Coastal Vibe

Every product I make today still follows the same idea that started it all:

Handmade craft matters. Not because it’s trendy.

But because things made slowly carry a different kind of energy.

They’re imperfect in the best possible way.

Living by the coast also shaped the feeling of the brand. Relaxing, natural, a little sun-washed.

Candles that feel like:

• Ocean air through an open window
• A quiet evening after the beach
• That golden hour moment when the day slows down

The One Thing I Hope You Take Away

Westlake Handmade isn’t about filling a house with products.

It’s about creating small moments.

A candle burning while you read.
A scent that makes your space feel like yours.
A tiny ritual that turns an ordinary day into something softer.

Those moments matter more than we think.

And if one of my candles becomes part of that ritual for you… that means the world!

If you’re new here, welcome!

And if you’ve been around for a while, thank you for being part of this little handmade corner of the world.

You can explore the full Westlake collection here → Shop Westlake Handmade

Fair warning: don’t blame me if you end up lighting one every night.