GSI Blog filter by Handmade Candles

Lighting a candle isn’t just ambiance, it’s neuroscience. Learn how warm light, scent, and ritual combine to ease stress and boost happiness.

As daylight fades, your brain chemistry shifts but scent can help. Learn how candles and aromatherapy blends can ease the winter blues

In the 1800s, Japan’s candle-making tradition stood at a crossroads where the artisanal glow of handcrafted warosoku met the efficiency of imported tin candle moulds. These candles, made from haze berry wax and wrapped in washi paper and igusa rush grass wicks, were more than mere light sources, they were symbols of ritual, craftsmanship, and a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Discover how Japan’s candle-makers preserved their heritage while embracing innovation in this illuminating journey through flame, fragrance, and technique.  

Fire has always been more than light—it is transformation, connection, and intention. From ancient rituals to modern self-care, candlelight symbolizes power, healing, and celebration. Whether illuminating altars, soothing the soul, or marking life's milestones, each flickering flame carries meaning beyond its glow.  

Step Into a Bookstore Without Leaving Home

Growing up in a military family meant always being on the move, but books were my constant companions. Whether it was a well-worn fairy tale or an old encyclopedia, I found comfort in the scent of printed pages and the worlds they held. That love of books—and the cozy bookstores that housed them—never faded. That’s why we created our Book Store Candle & Room Spray, a scent that brings the magic of a quiet bookshop into your home. With notes of aged paper, warm vanilla, and worn leather, it’s perfect for rainy days, late-night reading, and every book lover at heart.

Some places never leave you, they stay in your heart forever. For me, that place is Hawai’i. From childhood visits to my honeymoon in Maui, the islands have always felt like home. I’ll never forget standing on the lanai with my husband, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the sweet fragrance of plumeria blossoms filled the air. That moment of pure peace and romance inspired the Maui Gardens soy wax candle and room spray—a scent that brings the essence of the islands into your home. With notes of plumeria, jasmine, and fresh greenery, every breath takes me back to those warm, moonlit nights. Light the candle, close your eyes, and let Maui Gardens transport you to paradise.