Our Story
At Saakje & Elva Candle Company (S&ECC), our story is rooted in love, memory, and faith — much like the women who inspired our name. Saakje and Elva, our incredible grandmothers, lived with grace, kindness, courage, and the joy of being exactly who God created them to be. Their legacy lights every candle we pour.
And then there’s us — Tara and Taryn. Two women who met in a way that can only be described as God’s sense of humour.
It all started when my husband convinced me (Tara) to host a painting night to teach women how to make Christmas ornaments. At the very same time, Taryn’s husband convinced her to attend. Neither of us wanted to be there — at all. But in a room full of paint, laughter, and women crafting with questionable confidence, something clicked. God brought two reluctant participants together and turned them into lifelong friends.
Since then, we’ve walked each other through laughter, difficult seasons, big decisions, and all the moments in between. God blessed us with amazing Christian mentors, loving families, supportive friends, and grandmothers whose faith shaped us long before we ever imagined we would honour them through candles.
The candle idea started as a simple conversation about making a little extra money. Then came 200+ hours of research, a handful of unforgettable candle disasters, and exactly one moment where we wondered if we should take up an easier hobby. But eventually, we found our rhythm. And we realized that candles were more than melted wax—they were memories and emotions preserved in light and fragrance.
Each scent we create is crafted with intention — sometimes blending up to nine fragrance profiles—to capture the depth of a memory God has blessed us with. A grandmother’s hug. A favourite family tradition. A friend’s laughter. A moment you wish you could relive.
In July 2024, we poured our first official batch.
By September 2024, our candles hit their first store shelves.
And in January 2026, we’ll be at the Canadian Gift Show in Toronto—something that still makes us laugh, cry, and praise Jesus all at once.
Our candles are made with a premium soy–coconut wax blend that burns cleanly and beautifully. And because sustainability matters to us, each vessel can be reused as a planter, pen holder, or anything else that inspires you.
In April 2025, life shifted again when I moved from Guelph, Ontario to Balmoral, Manitoba. Instead of slowing down, we grew — building a business across two provinces and trusting God with every next step.
At Saakje & Elva, we believe candles should do more than scent a room—they should stir the soul. Each one is a small reminder of God’s goodness, the beauty of friendship, and the legacy of the people who have shaped our lives. Our prayer is that when you light one of our candles, it brings warmth to your home, joy to your heart, and a moment of peace in your day.
