Maker of the Month: Wildwood Candle Co.
Kylie has been making candles since 2017. A lifelong sensitivity to fragrance led toward woodsy, forest-inspired scents, starting with the brand's first candle, fir and spruce. As a Portland trail runner, the founder began naming each candle after one of Forest Park's 75-plus miles of trails, including the 30.2-mile Wildwood Trail, capturing the feeling of that outdoor space just minutes from downtown.
Trail running, nature, conservation, and fragrance came together in one authentic business. Since day one, Wildwood Candle Co. has donated 5% of profits annually to the Forest Park Conservancy. Meet Kylie from Wildwood Candle Co.
Trail running, nature, conservation, and fragrance came together in one authentic business. Since day one, Wildwood Candle Co. has donated 5% of profits annually to the Forest Park Conservancy. Meet Kylie from Wildwood Candle Co.
What sets Wildwood products apart, and what makes them unique?
I think what makes Wildwood unique is that every candle begins with a real place and a real story. I don't create fragrances based on trends — I create them based on trails I've spent hundreds of hours exploring.
Each scent is designed to reflect the landscape or personality of its namesake trail. For example, our Maple Trail candle features notes of sweet potato, nutmeg, and maple syrup, inspired by autumn walks beneath the maple canopy.
Our signature diamond label is another meaningful detail. It's inspired by the blue diamond trail marker blazes painted on trees every quarter mile along the Wildwood Trail. For me, they've always represented progress — one small step at a time.
I think what makes Wildwood unique is that every candle begins with a real place and a real story. I don't create fragrances based on trends — I create them based on trails I've spent hundreds of hours exploring.
Each scent is designed to reflect the landscape or personality of its namesake trail. For example, our Maple Trail candle features notes of sweet potato, nutmeg, and maple syrup, inspired by autumn walks beneath the maple canopy.
Our signature diamond label is another meaningful detail. It's inspired by the blue diamond trail marker blazes painted on trees every quarter mile along the Wildwood Trail. For me, they've always represented progress — one small step at a time.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration, especially while trail running or traveling. Every landscape has its own scent profile depending on the season, the weather, and what's in bloom, and I'm constantly taking mental notes.
Lately I've also been ordering small perfume samples from independent perfumers. I love exposing my nose to something unexpected — you never know when a new accord or ingredient will spark an idea for a future candle
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration, especially while trail running or traveling. Every landscape has its own scent profile depending on the season, the weather, and what's in bloom, and I'm constantly taking mental notes.
Lately I've also been ordering small perfume samples from independent perfumers. I love exposing my nose to something unexpected — you never know when a new accord or ingredient will spark an idea for a future candle
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
Creating new scents, without question. I love blending fragrance oils and slowly refining a formula until it finally clicks. There's no such thing as a "perfect" candle, but there is a moment when it feels right — and that's one of the most rewarding parts of the entire process.
I also love dreaming up scent combinations that people might not expect but somehow just work together.
Creating new scents, without question. I love blending fragrance oils and slowly refining a formula until it finally clicks. There's no such thing as a "perfect" candle, but there is a moment when it feels right — and that's one of the most rewarding parts of the entire process.
I also love dreaming up scent combinations that people might not expect but somehow just work together.
What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?
One of the biggest challenges has been resisting the urge to expand too quickly. As a small business owner, everyone has ideas about products you should make or new categories you should launch. While it's exciting, I've learned that every new product category is almost like starting a second business.
I've found it's better to stay focused on what genuinely excites me. Candles are my passion, and I think customers can feel that authenticity. Ultimately, it's about honoring your boundaries—your time, your energy, your creativity, and your vision. Trust yourself, and don't feel pressured to build someone else's version of your business.
One of the biggest challenges has been resisting the urge to expand too quickly. As a small business owner, everyone has ideas about products you should make or new categories you should launch. While it's exciting, I've learned that every new product category is almost like starting a second business.
I've found it's better to stay focused on what genuinely excites me. Candles are my passion, and I think customers can feel that authenticity. Ultimately, it's about honoring your boundaries—your time, your energy, your creativity, and your vision. Trust yourself, and don't feel pressured to build someone else's version of your business.
What advice would you give to makers looking to start their own business?
Know your "why."Think about what truly makes your business different, because chances are you aren't the only person making that product. Having a genuine story and a clear purpose behind what you create makes it much easier to connect with customers and build a memorable brand.
Know your "why."Think about what truly makes your business different, because chances are you aren't the only person making that product. Having a genuine story and a clear purpose behind what you create makes it much easier to connect with customers and build a memorable brand.
How do you balance making with content creation, managing your social media pages, and website?
Ha—I don't know if I ever have it completely balanced! Over the last few months, I've stepped away from full-time production and handed the candle-pouring torch to my wonderful Production Specialist. That shift has given me much more time to focus on content creation, photography, marketing, and growing the business, while I still spend plenty of time developing new fragrances and testing ideas for future launches.
Ha—I don't know if I ever have it completely balanced! Over the last few months, I've stepped away from full-time production and handed the candle-pouring torch to my wonderful Production Specialist. That shift has given me much more time to focus on content creation, photography, marketing, and growing the business, while I still spend plenty of time developing new fragrances and testing ideas for future launches.
What other makers do you admire, and what do you like about their work?
I really admire P.F. Candle Co. and founder Kristen Pumphrey. They've built an incredible business while staying remarkably consistent with their brand identity from the very beginning.Their branding is instantly recognizable, and they've shown that you don't always need to reinvent yourself to stay relevant. Watching them grow from a small maker into a nationally recognized company has been inspiring over the years.
I really admire P.F. Candle Co. and founder Kristen Pumphrey. They've built an incredible business while staying remarkably consistent with their brand identity from the very beginning.Their branding is instantly recognizable, and they've shown that you don't always need to reinvent yourself to stay relevant. Watching them grow from a small maker into a nationally recognized company has been inspiring over the years.
What are your dreams for Wildwood? Where would you like to see your business in 5 or 10 years?
In the next five to ten years, I'd love to continue growing into more grocery markets, outdoor retailers, and independent boutiques while staying true to what makes Wildwood special. I've realized I genuinely enjoy operating at a thoughtful scale. I love knowing that every candle is still poured by real people, maintaining a healthy business without sacrificing quality or burning myself out. Sustainable growth has always been the goal.
In the next five to ten years, I'd love to continue growing into more grocery markets, outdoor retailers, and independent boutiques while staying true to what makes Wildwood special. I've realized I genuinely enjoy operating at a thoughtful scale. I love knowing that every candle is still poured by real people, maintaining a healthy business without sacrificing quality or burning myself out. Sustainable growth has always been the goal.
What are three of your must-have Bramble Berry products, and why do you love them?
Rather than one specific product, what I've always appreciated most about Bramble Berry is the breadth of resources available for makers — from fragrance education and formulation tips to candle-making tutorials. Making high-quality education accessible has probably inspired thousands of small businesses, and that's something I really admire.
Rather than one specific product, what I've always appreciated most about Bramble Berry is the breadth of resources available for makers — from fragrance education and formulation tips to candle-making tutorials. Making high-quality education accessible has probably inspired thousands of small businesses, and that's something I really admire.
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