Meet Amy Atkinson | Candle Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Atkinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve worked hard. I got my first job at 15, inspired by the values my parents instilled in me—my dad taught me the importance of seeing things through, while my mom insisted that if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That mix of grit and perfectionism shaped me into a dedicated worker, though for years that meant pouring all my energy into someone else’s dream.

About a decade ago, I found myself spiraling into the textbook definition of a workaholic. My job always came first, and although I was achieving professional success, I was sacrificing my well-being in the process. It wasn’t sustainable—and it certainly wasn’t living.

Everything changed when my daughter was born. My husband and I began prioritizing health—not just hers, but our family’s as a whole. We started embracing a cleaner, more conscious lifestyle. Unfortunately, our demanding careers didn’t exactly support that shift. It wasn’t until the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic that we had the opportunity to make a lasting change. We relocated to a slower-paced environment, and with that move, our search for a simpler, more intentional life truly began.

Candles have always been one of my favorite things about being at home. The right scent can transform a space, set a mood, and create a comforting sense of place. But when I began researching what goes into most commercial candles, I was shocked. Many are made with paraffin waxes, synthetic fragrances, and toxic additives that compromise indoor air quality—something I didn’t want anywhere near my daughter, let alone in my home.

What began as a hobby idea—maybe we’d keep bees and make our own beeswax candles—quickly evolved. Countless hours of research led me to a cleaner, more luxurious option: coconut wax. It offered the clean burn I was looking for, and with the right blends and oils, I realized I could create something special.

My mission became clear: to engineer the cleanest candle possible—safe for kids, pets, and adults alike, without sacrificing scent, ambiance, or elegance.

Though I still hold a full-time job, my vision is to grow this business into something much larger. I want candle lovers—people who cherish the feeling a scent can stir—to enjoy their favorite ritual without compromising their health. What started as a small idea has become a growing passion, and the dream now is nothing short of building a clean candle empire.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At first glance, it might look like I just make candles—but it’s so much more than that. What I really do is create space.
Space to breathe easier.
Space to slow down.
Space to feel something real—without all the hidden junk that’s become far too normal.
Every candle I pour is rooted in one simple but powerful belief: luxury and wellness shouldn’t be opposites. You can have both. My candles are made with clean, sustainable ingredients because I believe that what we bring into our homes should elevate us, not expose us. From the creamy coconut wax to the non-toxic oils and carefully chosen scent profiles—right down to the rose tied around the recycled glass jar—every detail matters. Nothing is just for show. I created this brand because I wanted something better for families like mine—something safe, beautiful, and deeply intentional.
But let me be honest—it wasn’t easy getting here.
Like so many others chasing a dream, I started this business while juggling a full-time job, running a household, and raising a kid. It was chaos at times. There were sleepless nights, flopped formulas, shipping headaches, and more than a few tears. There were moments I thought, maybe I’m crazy to keep going. But then I’d come back to my “why”—and that’s what always kept me moving.
Becoming a mom changed everything for me. Suddenly, I was hyper-aware of every little thing we were using at home. I started reading labels. Asking questions. Learning just how toxic many candles actually are. I couldn’t unknow what I’d found. Paraffin wax? Endocrine disruptors? Ingredients that don’t belong anywhere near kids—or any of us, really. That discovery lit a spark in me I couldn’t ignore.
The biggest thing I’ve learned? Passion might start the fire—but purpose keeps it burning. When you know why you’re doing something, you can weather the hard stuff. And trust me, there’s always hard stuff.
This brand isn’t just about candles. It’s about reimagining what luxury looks and feels like. It’s about saying no to compromise. No to synthetic shortcuts. Yes to cleaner choices. Yes to sacred little moments. Yes to beauty that actually cares for you back.
So no, I didn’t get here overnight. It’s been messy, gritty, and deeply rewarding. And even now, I feel like I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Absolutely! If my best friend were visiting the South Bay where I grew up for a week—specifically Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach—I’d make sure they got the perfect blend of coastal relaxation, great food, and the kind of local gems that make this area so special. Here’s how I’d map it out for the ultimate weeklong stay:

Day 1 – Arrival + Sunset Vibes
Check-in somewhere beachy—maybe a boutique hotel or a cozy Airbnb near the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Dinner: Head straight to The Strand House in Manhattan Beach for elevated coastal cuisine with a panoramic ocean view. Start the trip with a sunset toast!

Post-dinner stroll along the pier and grab a scoop from Manhattan Beach Creamery.

Day 2 – Beach Day + Local Eats
Morning: Grab coffee and a pastry at Two Guns Espresso (the Hermosa location is cute and super friendly).

Late Morning/Afternoon: Set up on the sand at Hermosa Beach. Chill, swim, rent bikes and ride The Strand up and down the coast.

Lunch: The Spot (a beloved vegetarian gem in Hermosa) or Greenbelt for healthy but hearty eats.

Dinner & Drinks: End the day at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila for upscale Mexican and an unreal tequila selection. The ambiance is perfection.

Day 3 – Adventure + Views
Morning Hike: Head over to Palos Verdes for a scenic hike like the Ocean Trails Reserve or Portuguese Bend—views for days.

Lunch: Drive back down and hit The Rockefeller in Redondo Beach for a killer burger and craft beer.

Afternoon: Walk around Redondo Beach Pier, maybe rent a paddleboard or take a glass-bottom boat tour if they’re up for it.

Evening: Sunset drinks at Nelson’s at Terranea Resort—it’s a short drive, but so worth it.

Day 4 – Wellness + Wandering
Start the day with a yoga class on the beach or at SOUL Fitness in Hermosa.

Brunch: Go big at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in Manhattan Beach—it’s a local legend.

Shopping + wandering: Stroll through downtown Manhattan Beach for boutique shopping, then hit The Point in El Segundo for more modern shops and chill outdoor vibes.

Dinner: Fishing with Dynamite – tiny, high-end seafood spot that’s always a hit.

Nightcap: Drinks and live music at The Lighthouse Café, a jazz institution in Hermosa with major local history.

Day 5 – Artsy + Hidden Gems
Morning: Art walk through Hermosa Beach Murals, maybe check out local galleries like Resin Gallery.

Lunch: GoodBoyBob or RICE for something quick and flavorful.

Afternoon: Hit up South Coast Botanic Garden for a change of scenery, or schedule a spa afternoon at The Belamar Hotel.

Dinner: Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach—rustic Italian with serious flavor and a cozy vibe.

Day 6 – Day Trip & Dive Bars
Morning to afternoon: Take a mini road trip to Abalone Cove or Malibu Wines if they want a scenic sip-and-stroll experience.

Evening: Keep it casual—fish tacos at Killer Shrimp or Taco Love.

Bar hop: Wrap it up with dive bar classics like Barnacles, Ercoles 1101, or Waterman’s for something more lively.

Day 7 – Farewell & Chill
Slow morning: Brunch at The Kettle in Manhattan Beach (open 24/7, always good).

Walk it off with a final stroll on The Strand or some souvenir shopping in Hermosa.

Final coffee stop: Hi-Fi Espresso or Java Man to reflect, caffeinate, and promise to do it all again soon.

This itinerary blends relaxation, exploration, great eats, and those special South Bay moments that make people fall in love with the place. Want me to turn this into a shareable travel guide or a story-style post?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No journey worth taking is ever walked alone. Mine certainly hasn’t been.
What began as a quiet desire for a healthier home evolved into a full-blown passion—and eventually, a business rooted in clean living, intentional design, and the simple power of scent. But behind every candle I pour is a network of love, influence, and unwavering belief from the people who have shaped me every step of the way.
I come from a beautifully blended family—a mosaic of personalities and talents. I was lucky to be surrounded by examples of discipline, creativity, resilience, and heart. Whether it was business smarts, artistic flair, culinary creativity, or deep-rooted compassion, each of them gifted me something essential. Together, they built the foundation for everything I’ve created since.
Then there are my five sisters—my forever support system and unofficial creative team. From weighing in on scent profiles to helping define the brand’s visual vibe, they bring fresh, modern insight that keeps me connected and inspired. Their presence is a reminder that collaboration is a kind of magic—and that sometimes, the best business advice comes in the form of sisterly honesty.
Of course, none of this would exist without my husband. Through the chaos of demanding careers and the brave pivot toward a slower, more mindful life, he’s been by my side. His belief in me has never wavered, even when the vision was just a whisper. He saw the potential in the flicker before it became a flame.
But the real spark? My daughter.
Her arrival turned everything upside down—in the best way. Suddenly, every ingredient, every product, every decision mattered. I became laser-focused on creating a safer, cleaner space not just for her, but for all families seeking wellness without compromise. She is the heart behind every clean-burning candle I craft. She is the reason this journey began.
Along the way, I’ve leaned on the wisdom of makers and clean-living advocates I’ve never even met. Through blog posts, forums, and late-night Instagram scrolls, these quiet mentors shared their trials, breakthroughs, and hard-earned lessons. They proved that you don’t have to choose between elegance and safety—you can have both.
So no, this path wasn’t paved alone. It’s been lit by the people I love, the ones who believed in me before I believed in myself, and by a deep desire to leave the world just a little cleaner and a lot more beautiful.
To my family, my mentors—silent and spoken—and to the little girl who made me reimagine it all: thank you. You are the light behind every candle I create.

Website: https://www.reeseandrosecandles.com

Instagram: @reeseandrosecandles

Facebook: Reese & Rose Candles