The Story

Our Story

Creative Energy Candles began in 2010 on Kara's kitchen stove, around the same time the marketing firm where she worked closed its doors. A graphic designer by trade and a lifelong candle lover, Kara had always been fascinated by melted candle wax. That curiosity sparked an idea: What if a candle could do more than simply smell beautiful? What if it could be good for your skin, too?

After researching natural, skin-loving ingredients, Kara developed the formula that would become the Creative Energy 2-in-1 Lotion Candle—a hand-poured candle made with cosmetic-grade soybean wax, certified organic extra virgin coconut oil, essential oil blends, and naturally occurring vitamins A, E, and K.

When lit, the candle fills the room with fragrance while melting into a warm, luxurious moisturizing oil that can be applied directly to the skin.

The Big (Little) Break

With candles in hand, Kara hit the road, introducing Creative Energy to boutiques, spas, and specialty retailers throughout the Southeast.

Then came what Kara still calls her “big little break.”

A Creative Energy Candle found its way into the hands of actress and philanthropist Marlo Thomas, who selected it as one of her favorite candles and featured it on the front page of AOL for Valentine’s Day.

From there, Creative Energy began growing far beyond Kara’s kitchen stove.

Today, every Creative Energy Candle is still hand-poured in small batches, using thoughtfully selected plant-based ingredients and a formula designed to leave skin feeling soft and moisturized.

And Kara’s graphic design career never really ended—it simply found a new home. She continues to design Creative Energy’s packaging, branding, and creative direction herself, giving the company the distinctive personality it has had from the beginning.

More than 17 years later, Creative Energy Candles can be found in boutiques, gift shops, spas, pharmacies, natural markets, and specialty retailers across the United States.

Still hand-poured. Still independently created. And still proving that a candle can do a whole lot more than smell good.