The Why Behind The What aka FAQs
-
• Non-toxic ingredients • Dedication to quality and the utmost care/reverence when creating • Pure formulations • Conscientious & transparent sourcing • Capitalist critical decision making • Commitment to people • Commitment to planet • No self-betrayal. I work to feed me and we, not this machine • An ethos of rest & ease. Joy & healing. Abundance & humanness. Liberation & revolution.
-
Wooden wicks do not “mushroom” when lit and have little to no carbon build-up. Because of this, they burn cleaner than most cotton wicks on today’s market. Visually speaking, wooden wicks are a truly unique and engaging way to create a whole experience when it comes to candle making - adding modern appeal, an intriguing aesthetic, and that enticing soft crackling sound. The short answer: yes to ambience, yes to extra.
-
They are 100% natural wood, derived from sappy fruit trees sustainably sourced in the USA and specifically from FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified mills. Each mill is specifically managed in ways that don’t just sustain economic viability, but prioritizes + ensures the preservation of biological diversity while benefiting the lives of local people and workers. I also make certain that the wood species used for wick manufacturing are not listed in the CITES appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In order to keep them in their safest and purest forms, wicks are not treated before use in your candles.
-
All candles are made from a luxurious vegan wax blends that combine natural apricot + coconut or hemp + coconut. These blends are gluten-free, toxin-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, come from renewable sources, and only utilize FDA approved wax ingredients. The natural makeup of each is what it allows them to be soft, creamy, and clean up easily in your home (simply wipe away if there’s a spill and follow with soap/hot water).
-
Yes. I use specially formulated eco-dyes that are free of Prop 65 ingredients, free of parabens and phthalates, cruelty-free, made with a renewable solvent system, and REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) registered. To be REACH registered means that all dyes used in my collection meet regulations designed to protect human and environmental health from chemicals that could cause harm to the people, animals, or planet.
-
A combination of naturally occurring, organic, and 100% essential oils are used depending on the scent profile. All of the material extracts and essential oils are ISO 9235 certified, and I use some of the highest-quality fragrance oils and essential oils gathered from around the globe. ISO 9235 certification requires that natural aromatic raw materials be physically obtained from plants using distillation, expression, and/or extraction. Aromatic natural raw materials are defined as raw materials of vegetal or microbiological origin, such as flowers, barks, seeds, leaves, etc. One example: my eucalyptus oil is wildcrafted, sustainably harvested, and produced in Spain by a small cooperative of organic farmers who are paid fair wages. Each candles specific sourcing information can be found in the shop (with the rest of its item details) for transparency.
-
Directly to people.
-
Yes. Word to ✷@thenapministry✷.
Shipping Policies & General Help
-
Ordering a Cooperative Candle means ordering an item that will be handcrafted specifically for the recipient. Consider the entire process from start to finish to be series of affirmations - a meditative and conscious ritual filled with intention, love, and care. I do not hustle. I do not rush. This magick is slow and deliberate. Each candle takes two weeks (14 days) to fully cure for optimum burning and scent throw. Therefore, that is the time frame within which you can expect to receive it. Please keep all of this in mind when choosing to patron - and know that my gratitude is evergreen.
-
Orders are shipped Monday-Friday, with the exceptions of holidays. Please allow 6-8 business days for processing of orders, with shipping time beginning after the order is processed. Please note that transit times are not a reflection of order processing times, i.e. packages shipped priority/overnight/etc will still require the 6-8 business days prior. The previous section (which has hopefully been read) explains why this is necessary. :)
-
Due to the very personal nature of the products there are no returns, exchanges, or refunds at this time. The exception is of course items that arrive damaged from transit. Though orders are packed as carefully/consciously as possible, things happen - and in that case, case proof of damage is needed within 5 days of delivery. Please reach out via email with photos or video of carrier damage for replacement of the broken item(s). A claim will be filed and the exact same item(s) will be shipped out to you as a replacement. If the the item(s) are no longer available, a refund in the original form of payment will be provided. :)
Orders that return to me as being undeliverable as addressed by the carrier will be subject to automatic refund (minus any shipping fees). This ill be issued back to the original form of payment within 7 business days of its return.
-
Double checking the shipping address is super important, as I cannot be held responsible for items that are delivered to the wrong location. If you realize a mistake has been made please email as soon as possible so that the address can be updated prior to processing. Once the item is shipped it is impossible to intercept it. Reach out with any concerns and I’ll always do my best for you before it’s in the hands of the carrier.
-
If you’ve changed your mind, orders can be canceled so long as they are done so within the same business day that they are placed. Send an email that has CANCEL ORDER as the subject line, your name and order # in the body, and I’ll get you taken care of. Beyond that point, the order is already being processed.
-
Drop me a line with the details of your request and we’ll go from there.
-
Feel free to send any additional inquiries here. :)
Burn Baby Burn: Candle Care 101
-
Keep your wooden wick trimmed to around 3/16” (5mm) every time you light your candle to reduce ash and keep a safe flame height. No fancy trimmer is needed unless you’re in it for the lifestyle :) - simply chipping off the excess burned wood at the tip with fingers works fine. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CANDLE MUST BE COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED AND COOLED BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING WITH YOUR HANDS. Burning more than 4 hours at a time is not recommended. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. And finally please - under no circumstances - should there be any K. Michelle-ing of candles. Thank you.
-
The first burn is super critical, which is typically known as memory burn. Therefore, it's very important to burn your candles for at least three to four hours, waiting for the edges of the wax melt to fully pool before the candle is extinguished.
-
The easiest way to prevent soot and smoke is to keep the wicks trimmed and the candles free of debris. Whenever dealing with fire, soot can commonly accumulate within the glass, which is totally normal. However, it’s super simple to clean! After your candle has cooled, grab a towel with paper and some coconut oil and wipe around the perimeter of the glass, then voila! Good as new!
-
Yes you really need to. Remember that ugly ass soot we just talked about? That’s part of avoiding it.
-
Candles will last much longer when stored at the right temperature. Be sure to store your candles away from direct heat and sunlight. Store your candles in a cool, dry, and dark area to best preserve them.
-
DON'T TRASH YOUR TREASURES: We’ve used our containers to hold pencils, makeup brushes, hair things or what have you. You’ll want to remove the remaining wax by placing the candle in your freezer for a few hours.