About Us

I'm Clare, founder of The H.O.T. Candle Company, based in the heart of Henley-on-Thames – the "H.O.T" in our name. After leaving Henley in 1996, I spent two decades living in Richmond, raising my children and finding peace in the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. Those years inspired my appreciation for nature, creativity, and sustainability. I also studied mosaics at Richmond Art College, nurturing a lifelong love of design and craftsmanship.

In 2017, I returned to Henley for family reasons, and a few years later, I followed a long-held dream: to create a business rooted in fragrance, wellness, and environmental care. That’s how The H.O.T. Candle Company was born.

Our very first candle, Breathe – a calming blend of rosemary and eucalyptus – was inspired by my passion for yoga, meditation, and well-being. From the very beginning, sustainability has been at the heart of everything I create. All our candles are made using eco soy wax, sustainable essential oils, and recycled or compostable packaging. I source as much as I can from within the UK, and every product is hand-poured in my home kitchen with care and intention. We even offer a refill and refurbish service to encourage reuse and reduce waste.

The range has since grown into a full well-being collection – including diffusers, bath salts, and a popular gift box featuring a candle, sage bundle, and crystal – perfect for yoga, meditation, or simply unwinding at home. I also love creating bespoke pieces and seasonal products, and I’m currently developing workshops to help others learn the art of home fragrance.

Every product is a small celebration of beauty, craftsmanship, and conscious living. I'm endlessly grateful to my customers and the local community who continue to support this journey. Here's to growing The H.O.T. Candle Company with heart, purpose, and a little bit of magic – right here in Henley.

Thank you for being a part of it.