The Art C Story

Meet Christina Emde
Founder and Candle-Maker

Welcome to Art C Candles!

My passion for candles and candle-making goes back to my childhood in Steinheim, Germany. I fondly recall my father's love for candles of all shapes, sizes, and scents, and him giving me the remnants of previously burned candles to melt and turn into new, multicolored creations! Several decades of enjoying candles (and one continental move) later, with my family's support, I decided to pursue my American dream by turning my childhood pastime into a successful small business in the heart of my community in Phoenix, Maryland, beginning in 2016.

The best thing about being a candle-maker is creating a product that brings joy to others, just like it has for me and my family. Nearly all of Art C's 40+ scents have been inspired by the joy and inspiration I find in the incredible natural diversity of our relatively small state, which I explore on frequent trail walks with my family and our beloved labradoodle, Tucker. It is here where I can let my creative ideas flow freely. From "Ocean Breeze," inspired by the sea and sand while watching the wild horses of Assateague Island, to "Autumn Leaves," inspired while hiking the mountains of Western Maryland, or "Grapefruit and Mint," inspired by the colorfulness and character that embody Baltimore City — there is always something new to explore in Maryland and share with others through scent!

From the day I started Art C, quality above all else, through using all-natural, sustainable ingredients, has been at the core of our candle-making. It's why each of our candles are hand-poured in small batches and made from 100% U.S.-grown soy wax, a renewable and sustainable resource, with lead-free, natural cotton wicks, which burn slowly and cleanly. Our scents are made from all-natural essential or fragrance oils — all of which are paraben-free and phthalate-free. Supporting and collaborating with fellow small businesses and supporting the Maryland economy has also been of enormous importance to us, which is we have partnered with local artisans at Beaumont Pottery and Citizen Pride on our Pottery and Coastal Collections, and with a number of other trusted retail partners to bring our candles to a brick-and-mortar store near you.

So, whether you are shopping Art C candles for the first time or are already a valued member of our customer family, please know that each and every one of our unique candles is made with the same love and care. We hope you enjoy our candles, as much as we enjoy making them!

- Christina