One year ago, Kandlery was just an idea; one sparked by memory of Asian culture, intention, and a longing to bring more meaning into our everyday rituals.
Today, we’re celebrating our first anniversary with deep gratitude. From launching our very first products in 2024 to now being stocked in 160+ retail stores across the U.S., it’s been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and heartfelt moments shared with our community.
But to truly celebrate, we need to go back to where it all began.
The Story Behind Kandlery
Eight years ago, I founded Rootastes, a sustainable office lunch delivery company focused on enhancing well-being for busy professionals. That experience taught me how intentionality in what we eat, how we live, and what we surround ourselves with can transform how we feel.
When I moved to the U.S. from Thailand, I carried with me the memory of comforting rituals: the calming scent of Thai herbs, the grounding calm of seasonal scents from across Asia and the earthy aroma of hinoki wood drifting through an open-air onsen also known as Japanese hot spring. These sensory memories were deeply grounding, yet missing from the home fragrance aisles I walked down here in the States.
So I created Kandlery, a home fragrance brand rooted in untapped Asian-inspired scents, clean ingredients, and everyday well-being.
Candles That Reflect Your Values
At Kandlery, we believe in creating more than just candles. We craft experiences, designed to be
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Safe to Enjoy: Free from harmful chemicals, phthalates, and toxins. Our clean-burning candles are crafted with coconut apricot wax and eco-friendly FSC-certified wooden wicks, perfect for those sensitive to strong fragrances.
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Inspired by Culture: From Tokyo Zen to Sunrise in Bali, our scents draw from rich, sensory memories across Asia to bring comfort, nostalgia, and connection into your space.
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Kind to the Planet: Every part of our process is sustainable from wax to wick to packaging. Our candles come in recyclable gold tins and are hand-poured in small batches.
Learn more about What Makes Our Candles Clean.
A Year of Growth, Thanks to You
It all started back in November 2023, when I began experimenting with candle-making in our Boston kitchen.
By March 2024, Kandlery officially launched and I had the joy of connecting with inspiring makers and retail partners from Boston to New York.
Since our soft launch in Spring 2024, we’ve hit some amazing milestones.
June 2024, we received our first wholesale order, opening the door to gift shops, boutiques, and wellness stores across the country.
In July 2024, we took a big leap and relocated to Austin, Texas; a move that opened up even more opportunities. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to connect with seasoned candle-making mentors, wholesale experts, market organizers, retailers across the U.S., and an incredibly supportive maker community here in Texas.
By December 2024, we had expanded into 80 stores.
Today, Kandlery is proudly carried in over 160 stores nationwide from cozy independent bookstores in the Midwest to curated lifestyle boutiques in California and New York.
And one of our biggest honors? In June 2025, Kandlery was recognized as one of 20 standout shops worldwide on Etsy during their 20th Anniversary celebration.
What's Next?
As we look ahead to year two, we’re excited to introduce.
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A monthly membership this Fall! Perfect for gifting season, with up to 20% off just for members!
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A monthly scent subscription program, coming soon. Expect limited-edition, seasonal blends delivered right to your door.
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Even more content to support your intentional living journey from scent pairing guides to sustainable living tips. (Visit our stories for updates.)
You Made This Possible
From our customers to our retail partners, you’ve helped turn a small dream into a meaningful movement. Whether you're lighting a candle after a long day, gifting one to a friend, or discovering your new favorite scent in-store. You’re part of the Kandlery milestones.
We’re just getting started. Thank you for supporting Asian-inspired home fragrances that reflect care for you, your space, and the planet.