It’s not just a candle. it’s a whole vibe.

Alcott candles are inspired by the songs of Taylor Swift and The National and each candle can be paired with one of our curated playlists, setting a scene every time you light our candles. And you can feel good knowing every candle is ethically-made, plastic-free, uses 100% soy wax (a renewable resource), and is free of toxins, mutagens, phthalates, and carcinogens.

Founded by a disabled, LGBTQ+ woman in Austin, Texas, we’re deeply invested in our community. We believe every Austinite, Texan, and person should have the chance of a greener, better future. For every candle sold, 5% is donated to an Austin-based nonprofit that supports sustainability, abortion access, LGBTQ+ youth, or mental health.

Meet the team

  • Carsen, a white woman in thick rimmed glasses and a sun hat.

    Carsen — Founder

    Carsen regularly skipped class in high school to hang out at her favorite record store and learned to make candles in college. She hosts an annual candle making party, spending just as much time making a playlist as candles. In late 2023, she combined her passion for music and candles, creating a scent that was the song “Cruel Summer” This candle sparked something, and Alcott Candles was born.

    On repeat: Brotherly Hate — Hayley Williams
    Favorite smell: Dirt

  • Clove, a black and white American pitbull terrier.

    Clove — Sniff Tester

    Every candle goes through quality control with Clove. By that we mean she obsessively sniffs the air while candles are being made. When she’s not smelling Alcott candles, her passions include eating grass, sun bathing, and creating shivs out of sticks she finds in the backyard. She thinks we should make a Clove-scented candle, but we’re not sure the world is ready for a candle that smells like a dog.

    On repeat: Dogs Out — DMX
    Favorite smell: Fresh cut grass

  • A blonde man in a green t-shirt standing outdoors next to a building.

    Eli — Unpaid Intern

    Eli went by DJ Club Sandwich when he was a college radio DJ in Rochester, NY. He played a lot of Chvrches and Passion Pit. In 2019 Eli and Carsen got married and he has been helping her create candles and crafts ever since. These days you can find him bringing coffee to pop-up events or helping film content for the Alcott instagram. When asked what his favorite scent was he said “Quiet Light, duh.”

    On repeat: Only Time — Enya
    Favorite smell: Vanilla