Smells Like a Backstory

You’ve smelled the candles, now here’s the story behind the chaos.
P.J. Candle Co. started as a way to make something better — cleaner scents, bolder ideas, and candles that didn’t just smell like everyone else’s. What followed was a swirl of fragrance, drama, community, and joy. So whether you're here for the vibe or just nosy (we get it), we’re so glad you found us.

Our Story

From frustrated candle buyer to full-blown wax wizard.

P.J. Candle Co. started the way most dramatic love stories do — with a little frustration and a lot of curiosity. I was tired of candles that gave me headaches, smelled like everyone else’s, and felt like they were made to be forgotten.

So I started making my own.
Fragrances I actually wanted in my home.
Candles I’d be proud to gift.
Scents that weren’t mass-produced or overly filtered — just real, expressive, and intentionally made.

What began as a solo project quickly became a candle-fueled group chat. My friends jumped in with chaotic name suggestions, wild scent ideas, and stories about what certain fragrances reminded them of. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about the candle — it was about the vibe.

That’s when I realized:
This wasn’t just a hobby. This was a brand.

The Brand

Where luxury meets laughter — and sometimes a little chaos.

At P.J. Candle Co., we create hand-poured candles with personality. Every scent is tested, tweaked, and curated to feel like a full experience — something you light when you want to set the mood or shift it.

From our sold-out Summer Collection to the cozy drama of Sweater Weather, the caffeine-fueled charm of the Coffee Shop Collection, and our upcoming HoliSLAY line, each release is crafted with care, curiosity, and a dash of main character energy.

We use a premium coconut apricot soy wax blend for a luxe finish and serious scent throw, paired with eco-friendly, low-allergen ingredients — because even our most dramatic candles are made with love and intention.

Curious what’s coming next?
Explore The Auditions — our tester-size candle collection where new fragrances make their debut and try to earn their place in the spotlight. (Some make it. Some... don’t. But that’s showbiz.)

Two men wearing sunglasses, posing in front of a scenic view with mountains, a glacier, and a lake.

Meet the Maker

I’m P.J. — and yes, this really is that personal.

P.J. is what my family and oldest friends have always called me, so it only felt right to keep that energy at the heart of this brand. P.J. Candle Co. is run out of my home studio, with the occasional guest appearance from my senior rescue pup, Max, and a whole lot of help and support from my husband, Jesse — who also owns his own business, El Gallo Catrin Barber Studio.

Watching Jesse build something meaningful and community-driven lit a fire in me (pun intended) to create my own version of that — something that felt bold, personal, and built on joy.

This is a proudly queer-owned business that believes in storytelling, connection, and making something worth remembering.

So whether you're here for the scents, the names, or the vibe (hopefully all three), I'm so glad you found us.

Go ahead — light one up.
And remember:
This is where the drama… burns slow.

The Scent Schedule? She’s Really Taking Shape Now.

Look, we don’t always follow the rules — but we do follow the vibes. And babe, they’re burning bright.

Our Summer Collection came in hot and hasn’t let up. Citrus-forward, sunshine-drenched, and soaked in main character energy, she’s been scenting extended summer days in Las Vegas and all across the country. If you haven’t sniffed her yet... what are you even doing?

But while summer’s still strutting, fall is already peeking around the corner with a perfectly arched brow.

What’s Next on the Scent Horizon?

🍂 Sweater Weather
Debuting August 16th at The Makers Hive Market in Henderson, NV (6–10 PM).
It’s spice. It’s woods. It’s crisp leaves and candlelight chaos. This fall collection is made for layering flannels and feelings. Limited drops, main character moods.

🎄 HoliSLAY 2025
Yes, already. Our first holiday candle makes its dramatic debut alongside Sweater Weather at the August market — because time is fake and festive season waits for no one. It’s sparkle, spice, and full-season slayage incoming.

☕ The Coffee Shop Collection
We’re stirring in more. Not just bevies, but baked drama too. Get ready for warm counter vibes, flaky flirtations, and the kind of indulgent scents that feel like a hug and a side-eye.
✨ New additions include:

  • Dulce Butter Biscuit – soft, sweet, and stealing your lunch

  • Maple Glazed Cruffin – she’s not flaky... she’s laminated

Things are moving fast — and we’re just warming up.
✨ Want early access to new drops, restocks, and secret sales? Join the list below. The drama burns slow, but the perks come fast.

Candle with "Cypress & Highballs" label, mountain and bottle artwork.
Scented candle labeled 'White Eucalyptus & Sinister Whispers' with nature imagery

Candle Sizes & Volumes

Because size does matter — especially when it comes to scent throw.

We’ve been around the wick a few times, and after testing, tweaking, and hearing from you, we’re committing to our core trio of candle sizes — all fabulous in their own way:

  • Small (Single Wick Diva) – ~3.57 oz wax

  • Medium (Single Wick Diva with a little extra range) – ~7.46 oz wax

  • Large (Double Wick Star. The moment.) – ~13.55 oz wax

These are the main characters of our candle lineup. Streamlined. Stunning. Serving throw and glow.

While we’re keeping it cute with our signature three, we do love a special appearance:

  • You’ll still find our concrete vessels (shoutout to The Low Key Co.) and limited runs like the extra-thicc, grey glass jar used in Teak & Tangled Intentions — double-wicked and double the drama.

Gone but not forgotten? Our 7oz jars. She had her moment, but between us… she wasn’t pulling her wax weight. We knew we could do better — and now we are.

As always (and as required), each candle is labeled with its average wax volume. Since handmade vessels can vary ever so slightly, we list the actual fill average for accuracy.

And yes, our fragrance load varies by size. Our Large jars carry the highest % of fragrance we can pack in — while our Small and Medium jars are precisely balanced for an optimal hot throw and smooth burn.

Why We Use Coconut Apricot Wax

(And Why You’ll Love It Too)

Not all wax is created equal, darling.

At P.J. Candle Co., we’re all about creating a candle that burns as beautifully as it smells—so of course, we had to go with a luxury Coconut Apricot Wax blend.

Here’s why we’re obsessed (and why you will be too):

🔥 Stronger Scent Throw – This wax holds fragrance like a dream, meaning your space will actually smell like the candle you bought, not just a faint whisper of it.

✨ Smooth, Luxe Look – No weird frosting or rough tops here. Our candles stay looking as good as they smell, giving you that clean, high-end aesthetic every time you light them.

💡 Burns Like a Boss – Thanks to its single-pour formula, our candles burn evenly and smoothly, so you get the most out of every ounce of wax. Plus, it works beautifully with multi-wick designs, which means bigger, better fragrance throw and a more elevated glow.

🛡️ UV Protection – Our wax blend includes a UV additive that helps prevent discoloration and fading, so your candles stay stunning, even when exposed to light.

Unlike plain soy wax, which can be a little temperamental (hello, frosting and weak scent throw), Coconut Apricot Wax blends the best of soy, coconut, and a touch of paraffin to deliver a superior burn, stronger fragrance, and a more luxurious finish.

Long story short? We chose this wax because we wanted the best for our candles—and for you.

Now, light it up and let the drama… burn slow.

A Little Wax Talk: She’s Almost Fully Evolved

When we first fired things up, we started with high-quality soy wax—clean-burning, dependable, a real one. But we always knew she was just the first chapter.

Now? Almost every candle is made with our luxe Coconut Apricot & Soy Wax blend. It’s smoother, sexier, and throws fragrance like nobody’s business. Only a few of our original soy-only babes are still around, so if you spot one, consider it vintage.

We’ll keep the updates coming, but just know: whatever you light, it’s crafted to burn beautifully. 🔥✨

What’s an Audition at P.J. Candle Co.?

It’s exactly what it sounds like — a tryout.

The Auditions are our tester-size candles: small-batch, limited-run creations where new fragrances strut their stuff and beg for a callback. Typically housed in our signature cute little yogurt jars with cork tops, these trial-size stars let us test everything — from wax color and wick behavior to how the scent actually performs in real life. (Because cold throw is cute, but we want a performance.)

Some Auditions go on to become full-blown stars — earning a place in collections like Summer, Sweater Weather, or HoliSLAY. Others? They gave it their all, but didn’t make the final cut. And that’s all part of the process.

Every Audition you take home helps us cover the behind-the-scenes costs of developing new fragrances, sourcing unique colors, and creating future collections. Especially when bundled, these small-but-mighty candles make it possible to keep experimenting and dreaming big — without holding back.

🔥 Current Pricing:
$8.95 each · 5 for $35 · 10 for $60
(Market specials may apply)

So whether you’re here to discover the next icon or just love a little candle chaos, The Auditions are a permanent part of P.J. Candle Co. — ever-changing, always dramatic, and burning with potential.

Because around here? Everybody gets a shot to light it up.

What’s In Our Candles?

Let’s Talk Ingredients, Safety, and Transparency.

We love a good mystery… just not when it comes to what you’re breathing in.

At P.J. Candle Co., we’re all about full disclosure — no gatekeeping, no vague ingredient lists, and absolutely no shady stuff. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a sensitive nose, or someone with scent sensitivities or allergies, you deserve to know exactly what’s in our candles (and what’s not).

On this page, you'll find direct access to the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each of our candle fragrance oils. These official documents list the ingredients used, outline any potential allergens or hazards, and give you all the info you need to make an informed decision. We link them straight from our suppliers — unfiltered and unedited.

We also break down:

  • What wax we use (hi, coconut apricot soy 🥥✨)

  • How we fragrance our candles (clean, high-quality oils — never phthalates)

  • What’s not in our candles (no parabens, no prop 65 nasties, and absolutely no BS)

Because transparency isn’t just a trend for us — it’s part of how we care for our customers, our craft, and our community.

Scroll down, click through, and read as much or as little as you like. And if you ever have a question? Just ask. We’re here for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

We love a curious customer. Ask away.

Why are there allergens in fragrance oils?

Some allergens are naturally occurring in essential oils or botanical extracts — even the "clean" ones. Think of it like pollen in flowers: totally natural, but still a trigger for some people.

What’s a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), anyway?

It’s an official document provided by the fragrance supplier that lists ingredients, known allergens, potential hazards, and safe handling info. It's the industry standard for transparency — and we’re linking them all right here, because you deserve the full picture.

Where can I find the SDS links?

Right on this page under each fragrance name. No digging required.

Are your candles safe for people with asthma or chemical sensitivities?

Our candles are made with high-quality, clean-burning ingredients — but everyone’s body is different. If you’re sensitive to fragrance or have respiratory conditions, we always recommend checking the SDS and testing in a well-ventilated area before extended use.

Do your candles contain essential oils or synthetic fragrance?

Both! Many of our fragrances are blends of natural essential oils and high-quality synthetics designed for safe burning. We vet every single one for performance, safety, and vibes.

Can I request additional info if I don’t see something listed?

Absolutely. We’re happy to provide extra detail if needed. Just email us and we’ll do our best to get you the info you’re looking for.

Ingredient & Allergen Glossary

Because sometimes “limonene” sounds a lot cuter than it acts.

We know fragrance ingredient names can sound a little… science fair chic. So here’s a simple breakdown of common terms you might see on our Safety Data Sheets — including naturally occurring allergens that may be flagged for those with sensitivities.

Limonene – Found in citrus peels, this fresh-smelling compound pops up in many fragrances. Naturally derived, but can be irritating to some.

Linalool – A floral, lavender-adjacent compound found in many essential oils. Common, but also one of the more frequent allergens.

Citral – Bright, lemony, and found in lemongrass and citrus oils. Lovely scent, but worth noting for sensitive skin or noses.

Geraniol – Rose-scented and found in many botanicals. Naturally occurring, but flagged as a potential allergen.

Coumarin – Smells like sweet hay or vanilla. Found in tonka beans, often used in perfumes and candles.

Eugenol – Warm and spicy, typically found in clove or cinnamon oils. A common culprit for sensitivities.

Phthalates – We don’t use them. Ever. These are synthetic chemical compounds often used to extend fragrance longevity — but we’re not about that life.

Prop 65 Chemicals – Nada. None of our fragrances contain materials listed on California’s Prop 65 warning list. We check every time.

Wax

Fragrances

We provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every fragrance used in our candles. As our collections evolve with the seasons, some SDS files may still be in progress or pending upload.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just reach out — we’re happy to provide it promptly.

A Note on Candle Dyes

Color? Yes. Consistency? Not always — and here’s why.

We tint our candles by hand, and we do it based on vibe — not strict measurement. The exact amount of dye can vary slightly by fragrance, batch, and even pour-to-pour. While we don’t track dye usage down to the gram, we do use professional-grade liquid & block dyes that are safe for candle use and provide SDS sheets for full transparency.

You’ll find the Safety Data Sheets for all dyes used across our collections here. If you have specific concerns or sensitivities, we recommend reviewing the SDS details and reaching out — we’re always happy to chat specifics.