After years of slowly ridding her home of less-than-healthy, toxic products and replacing them with natural alternatives, Michelle hit a roadblock when it came to finding a suitable replacement for candles. She lived without candles for a good while but greatly missed the calming ritual of lighting a candle to relax in the evenings.

The impetus for creating Slow North's line of plant-based candles was the birth of her first son in 2015. While pregnant, she became even more aware of just how many products in her house contained mystery concoctions of synthetic chemicals – some of which are not required on ingredient listings. She became increasingly unsettled.

She searched for alternatives and recognized a need for well-designed, naturally healthy candles on the general market. Motivated to create products that boasted all ingredients honestly and with integrity, Michelle began experimenting with candles that we would feel good about burning in her own home.

While the operation was initially intended to be a hands-off side project, she followed our instincts and quickly became a candle maker. Her studio grew from a backyard operation to a full storefront & studio space in north central Austin in 2017 to our newly-expanded off-site production studio, which they moved into in March 2020.

Slow North's core values and dedication to whole living serve as daily reminders to be present and enjoy the little moments we share. Michelle feels grateful that her three sons will grow up in a household where thinking “big” is encouraged and celebrated. As a family business with her husband Jon joining her, they're motivated to work together, intentionally and respectfully, so the heart of Slow North is reflected in all that they do – in their home and in their products.