Mad Candle Co.: Madeline's Journey from Hobby to Thriving Candle Brand

August 14, 2025 Heeva Asefvaziri, CPP

Meet Madeline of Mad Candle Co based in Eugene, Oregon

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Madeline to learn about her and Mad Candle Co.

Before we even get into her candle-making journey, I have to say that Madeline was an absolute joy to talk to. From the moment we first said hello, it was clear her positive attitude plays a huge role in her growth and success. I hope you enjoy getting to know Madeline as much as I did and that her story leaves you inspired.

Background

Madeline is the founder of Mad Candle Co based in Eugene, Oregon. Her first steps into candle making began with an idea as simple as wanting to make holiday gifts instead of buying them. Those first steps turned into a full on run sparked a hobby that would eventually become her full-time business.

“Back in 2018, I started experimenting with making my own just to save money and give more personal gifts. I didn’t think it would turn into a business.”

Mom’s Inspiration

Her journey has been shaped by the influence and encouragement of her family, especially her mom. Madeline’s mom is a local florist in Eugene and the owner of Garden Girl Flowers. Seeing how successful her Mom was inspired Madeline to pursue doing her own thing. It was her mom who first asked Madeline to create candles for her website, even placing early wholesale orders through Faire to help Madeline gain traction.

“I saw how exciting it was for her to get orders, and I realized I wanted that too.”

Scent as Storytelling

Madeline’s creative process is hands-on and community-driven. She loves experimenting with sample scents from CandleScience and pulling inspiration from color palettes.

Her most popular candle, Oregon Forest, is inspired by the surroundings of her hometown. Getting to grow up in such a beautiful and unique place, capturing that scent and turning it into a candle is Madeline’s way of sharing a piece of her community with others all around the country.

The Oregon Forest Candle by Mad Candle Co

“Everyone in Oregon knows what our forests smell like. I really tried to capture that.”

Perspective

Every candle is made to order from her beautifully organized 10’x10’ home studio that her husband helped build.

The beautifully organized Mad Candle Co candle making studio in Eugene Oregon

This really stood out to me. I think a lot of times, as a follower and supporter of a brand that is doing amazing things and inspiring others, we tend to think that they must have a big facility or factory somewhere, have a bunch of employees, etc. Having this perspective can be so discouraging, especially if you’re just starting out on your candle making journey. Madeline is proud of her home studio, giving her the space to create thousands of candles and have total control over the quality and customer experience she so carefully curates.

Designing for Longevity

One of the strategies that Madeline shared was around how she plans and controls the scents she develops throughout the year. Alongside the creative components of candle making, she keeps a keen eye on what is most likely to sell beyond just the holiday times. For example, pumpkin spice candles are very specific to the Fall and sales for them quickly taper off when the seasons change.

“I want my scents to sell year-round, so wholesalers aren’t stuck with stock that only works for one season.”

Packaging

Growth brought new challenges for Mad Candle Co, especially when it came to packaging.

One of Madeline’s favorite boxes is our Straight Sided Tumbler 12-Pack Shipping Box. “I used to wrap each candle by hand. Now I can pack orders so much faster. Retailers have even complimented how clean and professional everything arrives”.

Her other go-to is our 2 oz Candle Tin 6-Pack Shipping Box, which she loves using as a discovery set for new scents.

The Candle Discovery Set from Mad Candle Co made with the 2 oz Candle Tin 6-Pack Shipping Box from Flush Packaging

“I’ve never had a candle break in your packaging. I just feel super lucky to be able to use it and not have to worry about breakage and replacing them.”

Madeline’s Advice for Candle Makers

Don’t be afraid of feedback. “The candle I love most isn’t always the bestseller. It’s about what connects with your customers.”

She also encourages new candle makers to collaborate and stay curious. “Some of my favorite blends started as custom orders or ideas from friends.”

Connect with Mad Candle Co.

We get so inspired by passionate small businesses like Mad Candle Co. and appreciate Madeline taking the time to share her story. If you’re just getting into candle making, we hope you found Madeline’s story to be insightful and inspiring.

If you haven’t already, give Mad Candle Co a follow on their social channels and connect with Madeline directly.