Get to know me

Thank you so much for stopping by. My name is Nicole and I'm the founder of Spruce Street Candle Co.

Just a little bit about me—although I was born overseas, I’ve spent most of my life on the West Coast in California. After grad school, I moved to Philadelphia and have proudly called it home for the past 13 years. The charm of Spruce Street in Fitler Square has provided a comforting, grounding backdrop for much of that time.

By day, I work in the healthcare field. But in my off hours, I immerse myself in the delicate art and science of candle-making—a passion project that began during the pandemic and blossomed into Spruce Street Candle Co., born from a lifelong obsession with fragrance and a desire to bring beauty and calm into everyday spaces.

My love affair with scent goes back to my undergrad days working at Anthropologie, where I discovered how powerfully candles could shape a space and elevate a mood. I was always drawn to their stunning scents and aromatic ambiance—and some of my fondest memories from that time involve the candle displays and how they transformed the energy of the store.

This craft took on an even deeper meaning in October 2024, just weeks after launching my business, when I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. In the midst of scans, imaging, chemo, and all the uncertainty that followed, making candles became my therapy. Pouring wax, blending fragrances, and creating something with my hands helped carry me through the toughest days. The support and encouragement I received from my early customers reminded me why this work matters.

That experience and my continuing cancer journey reaffirmed my commitment to making vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic candles—products that people in fragile moments, like I was, can enjoy without second-guessing the ingredients. Candles became a source of calm and comfort for me, and my hope is that they can bring that same sense of ease and lightness to others.

Spruce Street Candle Co. is built on that foundation: thoughtfully crafted, small-batch, hand-poured candles made with high-quality, safe ingredients. Whether you’re looking to fill your space with warmth and serenity or crisp, clean freshness, there’s a scent here to match your mood and your moment.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with you—and I hope you enjoy these candles as much as I’ve loved creating them for you.

With warmth,
Nicole