There's something to be said about knowing where your products come from and the people behind them. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about Fig & Fire!

Can the candlemaker please stand up?

Hi candle lovers! I wanted to introduce myself: I’m Karen and I’m the owner and maker at Fig & Fire. Each candle is handcrafted by yours truly! I love being able to personalize anything and everything to make it just how I like it. I feel a special connection to color and scent, so Fig & Fire has been a creative outlet that I'm passionate about. I am sentimental by nature, so I create candles with scents that have unique blends and which I connect with on a personal level. Scent and color both trigger memories and I like being surrounded by the things that make me happy. 

Why candles?

Fig & Fire was started to create safer candle options that don’t contain harmful ingredients. When I found out what was in some candles, I knew I wanted to make a candle that I didn't have to think twice about breathing. There’s a clean movement happening with a focus on reducing toxins - there’s clean makeup, clean wine, clean household cleaners, and I wanted to make clean candles. 

Tell me more!

A love of science and math, unrelenting persistence, and a desire to create a safer candle fueled two years of testing and re-testing candles with different materials to ensure an even burn, optimal fragrance release, and negligible amounts of non-toxic soot after burning. There are NO toxins, dyes, phthalates, animal-derived additives, lead, or petroleum byproducts. In addition to white glass and silver tin candles, I also upcycle wine and beer bottles. I cut them by hand and repurpose them into candles so they can be enjoyed a second time in a different and unique way.

What inspires your scents?

The scents in the candles are inspired by personal memories and experiences I want to relive. Stay tuned for a future blog post on this!

What's the deal with the matches?

Color means something different to anyone you ask. I offer 16 different colors, so you can mix and match the colors that light up your world! For me, the colors I love are based on my experiences, and I've included a few of my favorites below. 

• I’ve been a Maryland girl all my life and I adore my Maryland-themed matches (red, yellow, black, and white). Please pass the Old Bay - and Go Terps!
• I am a Sigma Kappa and am so grateful for the amazing women who have been some of my biggest champions. The sorority's colors are maroon and lavender, and they hold a special place in my heart.
• I live in Maryland with my husband, who has always been super supportive of me, no matter what it is I set my mind to. Seeing our wedding colors (red, white, and sunflower yellow) always makes me smile.

xoxo,
Karen