When Amber Carroll started making candles during the pandemic, she wasn’t planning to build a business. She wasn’t chasing a dream or looking to make money. She was simply trying to survive. A Chicago native with a background in local government, Amber found herself in a deep depression while the world shutting down and her mental health spiraling, she needed an outlet, something that gave her a sense of peace. That something turned out to be candles.

In the midst of one of the most uncertain times in recent history, when the world slowed down and our lives took unexpected turns, many people turned inward — searching for meaning, creativity, or simply peace of mind. For Amber Carroll, that quiet search led her down a path that would unexpectedly spark a new beginning. What started as a personal outlet during the isolation of the pandemic became a thriving small business centered around comfort, intention, and clean living.

Crafted by Carroll, based in Chicago, offers a thoughtfully curated line of clean, cruelty-free candles, wax melts, room sprays, diffusers, and accessories. More than just beautiful scents, each product is infused with emotion — memories, people, and places that helped Amber navigate her own mental health journey. From soft, warm blends that recall cherished conversations to energizing scents that spark joy, Amber has created a brand that doesn’t just smell good — it feels meaningful.