A Spark of Creativity:

The Story Behind Trillium Candle Company

Here at Trillium Candle Company, fragrance isn't just a scent; it's a map, a memory, an experience. It could be the crisp mountain air of the Blue Ridge waking you on a childhood camping trip or the warm glow of a kitchen filled with the aroma of your mom's signature pancakes.

I'm Heather Walters, and while graphic design is my day job, creativity is my lifeblood. Looking for a fun activity to do with my mom, I stumbled upon the world of candle-making. We started with a cheap kit, a leap of faith, and the result? Four hilariously horrible candles and a night filled with laughter. It wasn't about perfection; it was about creating something together.

That initial spark ignited a passion. We delved into research, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of our home in the Appalachian Mountains. The fragrance of pine needles after a rain shower and the sweet, earthy scent of mossy hollows are the scents we wanted to capture. Each fragrance and vessel we chose tells a story of the good life here in southwest Virginia.

But our candles aren't just for those familiar with the Blue Ridge. They're for anyone who seeks a moment of peace, a connection to something bigger. We believe in the power of fragrance to evoke memories, spark joy, and create a sense of belonging, no matter where you call home.

With every candle we craft, we hope you'll find a reason to smile, celebrate the simple joys, and connect with the good that exists in yourself and the world around you. Light a candle, join our story, and let the magic begin.

Meet the owner

Hi there!

I'm Heather, the creative spirit behind Trillium Candle Company. I was born and raised here in Southwest Virginia and graduated from Radford University. Go Highlanders! For over twenty years, I've been pouring my heart into design, bringing ideas to life through visuals. But lately, I've found a new passion that combines my love for creativity with the cozy charm of home—handcrafting candles!

My journey has been quite the adventure. I've designed everything from eye-catching conference displays to playful, educational games for kids. I've even had the thrill of creating multimedia experiences for NASA!

Now, with Trillium Candle Company, I'm channeling all that creative energy into something you can bring into your own home. Each candle is like a little work of art, carefully crafted to capture the beauty and serenity of our Blue Ridge Mountains. I pour the same love and attention to detail into these candles as I do with any design project.

From carefully measuring and pouring the soy wax into each vessel to designing and applying every label by hand, I'm involved in every step of the process. This hands-on approach allows me to ensure the quality of each candle and infuse a bit of my creativity and care into every piece.

For me, candle-making isn't just about creating a product - it's about crafting an experience. I love playing with scents and designs, imagining how each candle might brighten someone's day or create a perfect moment. It's like telling a story, but instead of using words or pictures, I'm using fragrance and light.

Whether I'm designing a website or blending the perfect scent, my goal is always the same - to create something that touches people's hearts and brings a little more beauty into the world.

You'll often find me working our booth at the local Farmer's Markets and community events around the New River Valley. It's a joy to share the stories behind our scents and see people fall in love with our candles in person.

So, if you're out and about, keep an eye out for our Trillium Candle Company booth. I'd love for you to stop by, say hello, and maybe even find your new favorite candle scent. Don't be shy - come chat with me about all things candles, creativity, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains that inspire our work! I'm so excited to share these candles with you, and I hope they bring as much warmth and joy to your home as they do to mine.

Meet the Team

From crunching numbers to perfecting our online presence, each one of these people plays a crucial role in making my dream come to life. While they may not be on the payroll (not yet, anyway…), their contributions are priceless. I absolutely could not do what I do without their unwavering support, expertise, and enthusiasm. They are the unsung heroes behind every candle we craft, and I'm endlessly grateful for each of them,

  • Mom

    SUPERMOM OF PRODUCTION

    Meet Mom, our organizational guru and the heart of our production team. If I need to know how many candles we have or the details of a batch from six months ago, Mom's got the answer. She preps everything on candle-making days, keeps me well-fed, and provides unwavering moral support when I get worried or discouraged. And let's not forget her impeccable eye for detail—she makes sure I "get those labels on straight." She's our Production Queen, Quality Assurance Extraordinaire, and, most importantly, Supermom.

  • Dad

    THE FIX-IT GENIUS & WEB WIZARD

    Dad is our pillar of support and a constant source of inspiration. He's the go-to guy for all things web and e-commerce, ensuring our online presence shines. But his talents don't stop there.
    Dad is also a master at figuring out new processes for candle-making and can fix any piece of equipment I throw his way. Whenever I have questions, Dad has the answers. He's our tech guru, process innovator, and all-around fix-it genius.

  • Rebecca

    THE MULTI-TASKING MARVEL

    When she's not tinkering with her collection of antique Volkswagens or wielding a power tool to build or fix something, Rebecca is our financial wizard. Her accounting expertise keeps all the i's dotted and t's crossed.

    As a creative person, numbers aren't my forte, but Rebecca ensures everything adds up perfectly. I couldn't be more grateful for her help! Sometimes, you’ll catch Rebecca with me at the booth!

  • Melanie

    THE MARKETING MAESTRO

    Meet Melanie, the newest addition to our team! Melanie's been my friend and biggest cheerleader for many years. As our Marketing Coordinator, she brings a wealth of expertise in problem-solving and communication to the table.

    Whether she's chatting with customers about our latest scents at the Farmer’s Market or managing our outreach and wholesale customers, with Melanie on board, the future of Trillium Candle Company smells sweeter than ever!