I grew up in a small village in Ukraine, where my grannie and I would take long walks in the forest, gathering mushrooms and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. Those moments shaped me—they taught me patience, creativity, and a deep love for simple, handmade things. She also passed down her crafting skills, and though I didn’t know it at the time, those lessons would stay with me forever.

When I moved to the USA in 2022, everything felt new and overwhelming. I didn’t speak English at all, which made even the simplest things—like grocery shopping or asking for directions—feel like a challenge. But I’ve never been someone to give up easily. Just like with anything else in life, I learned step by step, making mistakes along the way but always moving forward.

Around the same time, I discovered candle-making, and it quickly became my passion. But it wasn’t easy at first. I spent years testing different wax blends, wicks, and fragrances, facing countless failed batches—candles that didn’t burn right, scents that disappeared too quickly, wax that didn’t set the way I wanted. It was frustrating, but I kept going, refining my process until I created something I was truly proud of.

Now, every candle I make is hand-poured with a custom blend of coconut, soy, and apricot wax into handcrafted concrete vessels. But they’re more than just candles—they’re a reflection of patience, learning, and creativity. And when they’ve burned down, they don’t have to be thrown away; they can be repurposed into flower pots, pen holders, or whatever you dream up.

For me, candle-making isn’t just a craft; it’s a way to bring warmth, comfort, and a little bit of nature’s magic into everyday life. I hope Mavka candles make your space feel cozy, peaceful, and connected—just like my childhood walks in the forest.