Staten Islander creates new candle collection with calming scents inspired by nature and the outdoors

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After working as a personal trainer for a decade, Kelley Olson, 36, a hiking enthusiast, was searching for a creative outlet when she saw a video about how to make your own candles.

“I have always been creative and I wanted to find something — whether as a hobby or professionally — where I could be creative, learn a new skill, [and it would have to be] something I would have fun with and could do at home while my daughter was in preschool,” said the New Springville resident, who is the mother of a 4-year-old. “I wanted my new endeavor to be inspired by fun, joy, expression, nature and playfulness.”

As soon as Olson saw the video, she immediately knew she wanted to upstart a business where she could create her own candles with scents inspired by the outdoors.

“I have always loved candles, incense, and body and home fragrances. I knew I wanted to make high quality products that actually smelled amazing. …After doing some research I ordered a bunch of supplies and began testing. I loved the process so much that I launched the business two months later,” said Olson.

Olson launched a line of candles in September 2022 that emit scents inspired by nature called Treehouse Candles.

CREATING SCENTS.

Olsen said she creates her candles from natural soy wax with non-toxic fragrance oils, and they are never dyed.

“They are all made by me. My candles are simple in design — they look beautiful lit up and really add a warm, calming element to a home. The main attraction though is always the scent. All of my candles are uniquely created using fragrance blends that I create, which means I never try to replicate other scents,” she said.