A Dream Born in Seattle
Picture this: A cramped Seattle office, rain tapping against the windows, and a kitchen table covered in lumpy wax. That’s where Glisova Candles began—a wild idea that candles could be more than just flickering lights. Our founder, a self-taught candle maker, spent nights experimenting with wax blends that looked more like melted crayons than the sleek handmade candles we’re known for today. But here’s the twist: While our creative heart beats in Seattle, our production thrives in a family-run workshop in China, where artisans have perfected candle making for generations.
Our first “masterpiece”? A vanilla-scented disaster that smelled like burnt toast. But that failure taught us something priceless: Great candles aren’t born—they’re crafted through sweat, laughter, and a dash of stubbornness. Today, Glisova’s dessert candles and 3D sculptural designs light up homes from Paris to Sydney, proving that even the messiest beginnings can spark something beautiful.
The Chaos of Creation: Our Early Days
Back in our tiny workshop, we were like mad scientists. Wax splattered the walls, molds clattered like cymbals, and our team scribbled notes like “Blood Orange + Fresh Linen = Summer in a Jar?” We’d test candle patterns until 2 AM, only to wake up and find the wax had hardened into abstract art. One notebook page from 2018 says it all: “Raspberry Vanilla—FAIL. Tastes better than it burns.”
But here’s the secret: Those early flops became our foundation. We learned that wick trimming isn’t optional (unless you enjoy smoky ceilings) and that coconut wax behaves like a moody artist—it needs patience. Now, when we ship a meditation candle, we know it’s not just wax and fragrance. It’s years of “oops” moments turned into expertise.
A Global Scent Adventure: Where Our Ingredients Come From
Crossing Continents for the Perfect Scent
Glisova’s scents are like passport stamps. Our Cotton Candy fragrance? It starts with sugar cane fields in Brazil. The zing in Espresso? Ethiopian coffee beans roasted to perfection. And that creamy coconut wax? It’s pressed from organic coconuts in the Philippines, then shipped to our workshop where it’s blended smoother than a latte.
We’re pickier than a sommelier. When a supplier once sent lavender that smelled “like grandma’s closet,” we sent it back. Because here’s the truth: Cheap oils might save money, but they’ll turn your living room into a headache zone.
Rose Gold from Grasse, France
Our Rose scent isn’t just a fragrance—it’s a love letter to Grasse, France. Every spring, farmers hand-pick Damask roses at dawn, when their scent is strongest. It takes 10,000 petals to make one ounce of essential oil. Why go this far? Because mass-produced rose oil smells like plastic compared to the real thing. Light our floral candle, and you’re not just getting a scent. You’re holding a French sunrise.
Studio Diaries: A Peek Inside Glisova’s World
Morning Magic: Inspecting the Goods
Every morning starts with a ritual. We sniff every batch of soy wax (yes, we literally stick our noses in it), test wicks like violin strings, and reject anything that’s not Glisova-worthy. Think of it as a candle version of “Top Chef”—if the wax isn’t silky or the scent throw is weak, it’s back to the drawing board.
The People Behind the Pour
Meet Lily, our ex-lawyer turned candle making guru. She’ll spot a crooked wick from across the room. Then there’s Sam, who mixes scents like a DJ—Vanilla’s bassline, Espresso’s beat, and a hint of Coconut for rhythm. Their certificates? Framed next to a photo of Sam’s first (very lopsided) votive candle. Because expertise isn’t born—it’s earned.
If Candles Could Talk: Tales from the Flame
The Wedding Candle’s Broken Heart
This Rose Gold candle was meant for a wedding altar. But when the couple called it off, the bride asked us to relabel it “For New Beginnings.” Now, it glows in apartments from Tokyo to Toronto, reminding people that even broken plans can light the way forward.
100 Wishes in the ICU
A nurse once wrote to us about a French Lavender candle that burned for 48 hours straight in a hospital room. “It wasn’t just a scent,” she said. “It was 100 silent prayers for healing.” That candle’s gone now, but its story lives in every meditation blend we pour.
Why Glisova Shines: Natural, Handmade, and Real
The Power of Natural Wax
We use coconut wax and soy blends because paraffin is so last-century. It’s like comparing a greasy diner burger to a farm-to-table meal. Our wax burns clean for 60+ hours, no coughing required.
Handmade, Heart-Made
Every 3D candle is shaped by hand—no robots here. Why? Because machines can’t laugh at inside jokes or adjust the pour when the wax is being fussy. When you light a Glisova, you’re holding 12 years of “what if we tried…?” moments.