Solterra Candles

Handcrafted Soy Candles for a Sustainable Lifestyle

Experience the perfect balance of nature and luxury with our eco-friendly, handcrafted soy candles. Each candle is thoughtfully made with care for both your home and the environment.

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Our Story

Solterra Candles began as a passion project in 2015, when our founder Sarah discovered the harmful chemicals present in conventional candles. Determined to create a healthier alternative without sacrificing quality or fragrance, she started experimenting with soy wax in her small Canberra apartment. The name "Solterra" combines the Spanish words for sun and earth, reflecting our commitment to harnessing natural elements in our products.

What started as weekend markets sales quickly blossomed into a beloved local brand. Our dedication to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and artisanal craftsmanship resonated with customers who were seeking more mindful home fragrance options. Every Solterra candle is hand-poured in small batches to ensure exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Over the years, we've expanded our range of scents, developed our signature minimalist aesthetic, and built relationships with local suppliers who share our values. Our workshop in Fitzroy has become a community hub where people can learn about sustainable living while creating their own eco-friendly candles.

Solterra Candles founder working in her workshop

Why Choose Solterra?

100% Natural Soy Wax

Unlike paraffin candles, our soy wax is renewable, biodegradable, and burns cleaner with no toxic emissions. We source our soy from sustainable farms and ensure it's GMO-free.

Hand-Crafted Excellence

Each candle is meticulously hand-poured in small batches, allowing us to maintain strict quality control. Our artisans take pride in creating perfectly balanced candles every time.

Ethically Sourced Materials

From our cotton wicks to our essential oils, we ensure all components are ethically sourced. We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to fair labor practices and environmental stewardship.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Our minimalist packaging is made from recycled and recyclable materials. We've eliminated plastic from our process and use soy-based inks for all our printing needs.

Our Collection

Discover our signature scents, each carefully crafted to create a unique atmosphere

Lavender & Sage Candle

Lavender & Sage

A calming blend that combines the soothing properties of lavender with the cleansing essence of sage. Perfect for creating a tranquil atmosphere in bedrooms or meditation spaces. Our most popular scent for relaxation and unwinding after a long day.

$28.00

Eucalyptus & Mint Candle

Eucalyptus & Mint

A refreshing and invigorating scent that brings the Australian outdoors into your home. The crisp eucalyptus pairs perfectly with cool mint for an energizing atmosphere. Ideal for home offices or any space where you need mental clarity and focus.

$26.00

Vanilla & Sandalwood Candle

Vanilla & Sandalwood

A warm and comforting blend that combines the sweet richness of vanilla with the grounding aroma of sandalwood. This balanced fragrance creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for living rooms and gathering spaces. A customer favorite for holiday gifting.

$30.00

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Our Innovative Approach

At Solterra, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We're constantly researching and developing new techniques to make our candles more sustainable, longer-lasting, and more enjoyable. Our research team works closely with aromatherapists and environmental scientists to create fragrances that not only smell wonderful but also promote well-being.

We've pioneered a unique cooling process that ensures our candles burn more evenly and last up to 30% longer than conventional soy candles. Our proprietary blend of essential oils creates complex, layered scents that evolve as the candle burns, providing a dynamic sensory experience that changes subtly over time.

Sustainability Score

95%

Scent Complexity

90%

Burn Time Optimization

85%
Solterra innovation lab

Candle Making Workshops

Join us for an immersive experience and create your own handcrafted candles

Candle making workshop in progress

Learn the Art of Candle Making

Our popular workshops offer a hands-on opportunity to learn the craft of candle making in a fun, relaxed environment. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors will guide you through the process step by step.

During the 2-hour session, you'll learn about different waxes, wicks, and fragrances, and create two personalized candles to take home. We provide all materials and tools, plus refreshments and a 10% discount on any additional products purchased on the day.

Upcoming Workshops

  • Beginner Workshop: Every Saturday, 10am-12pm
  • Advanced Techniques: Last Sunday of each month, 2pm-5pm
  • Seasonal Scents Workshop: First Friday of each month, 6pm-8pm
Book a Workshop Learn More

Meet Our Instructors

Learn from our team of passionate artisans

Sarah, Lead Instructor

Sarah Johnson

Lead Instructor & Founder

Sarah has over 10 years of experience in candle making and aromatherapy. She founded Solterra Candles with a mission to create eco-friendly home fragrances. Her workshops focus on sustainable practices and the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Michael, Fragrance Specialist

Michael Chen

Fragrance Specialist

With a background in chemistry and perfumery, Michael brings scientific precision to the art of scent creation. His workshops explore the complexities of fragrance layering and how different scents affect mood and well-being.

Emily, Design Specialist

Emily Roberts

Design Specialist

Emily brings her background in visual arts to Solterra's workshops. She specializes in teaching decorative techniques and container customization. Her classes are perfect for those wanting to create candles that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Our Team

The passionate people behind Solterra Candles

Sarah Johnson, Founder & CEO

Sarah Johnson

Founder & CEO

David Miller, Production Manager

David Miller

Production Manager

Amelia Wong, Creative Director

Amelia Wong

Creative Director

James Peters, Marketing Manager

James Peters

Marketing Manager

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword at Solterra—it's the foundation of our business. We believe that beautiful home fragrances shouldn't come at the expense of our planet. From sourcing raw materials to packaging and shipping, we consider the environmental impact of every decision we make.

Our soy wax is derived from sustainably grown soybeans, providing a renewable alternative to petroleum-based paraffin. We use lead-free cotton wicks and phthalate-free fragrances to ensure our candles are as clean-burning as possible. Our containers are designed to be reused or recycled, and we offer a container return program where customers receive a discount on their next purchase when they bring back empty vessels.

We've also implemented a carbon offset program for all shipping and continually work to reduce waste in our production process. Any leftover wax is melted down and repurposed, and we use biodegradable packing materials for all our shipments.

100%

Renewable Soy Wax

5000+

Containers Recycled

90%

Waste Reduction

Zero

Plastic Packaging

Sustainable candle making process

Community Engagement

Solterra Candles is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported us from the beginning. We believe that successful businesses have a responsibility to contribute to positive social change and environmental stewardship.

Each quarter, we donate 5% of our profits to local environmental initiatives focused on conservation and sustainability education. We've partnered with local schools to offer free workshops that teach students about renewable resources and eco-friendly crafting. Our team regularly participates in community clean-up events and tree-planting initiatives.

We also support local artisans by featuring their work in our store and collaborating on limited-edition collections that showcase the diversity of talent in our region. By building these connections, we hope to foster a community that values creativity, sustainability, and mutual support.

Community workshop with students

Education Outreach

Our free workshops for local schools teach sustainability through hands-on candle making.

Beach cleanup event

Environmental Action

We organize quarterly clean-up events to protect our local waterways and natural spaces.

Candle Care Resources

Learn how to get the most from your candles

National Candle Association

Comprehensive guide to candle safety and proper burning techniques.

Learn More

EPA Indoor Air Quality

Information about indoor air quality and choosing clean-burning candles.

Visit Resource

Aromatherapy Association

Resources on the benefits of essential oils and natural fragrances.

Explore

Customer Stories

What our community has to say about Solterra Candles

Customer portrait

Emma Thompson

Melbourne, VIC

"I discovered Solterra Candles at a local market and was immediately drawn to their eco-friendly approach. The Lavender & Sage candle has become my evening ritual—it creates such a calming atmosphere that helps me unwind after work. The fact that they use sustainable materials makes me feel good about my purchase too."

★★★★★
Customer portrait

James Wilson

Canberra, ACT

"I attended one of Solterra's candle-making workshops as a team-building event, and it was fantastic! Sarah is an excellent teacher who made the process fun and educational. We all left with beautiful candles and a new appreciation for the craft. I've since purchased several candles as gifts, and everyone loves them."

★★★★★
Customer portrait

Olivia Chen

Sydney, NSW

"As someone with sensitive skin and allergies, I've always been cautious about scented products in my home. Solterra's commitment to using natural ingredients gave me the confidence to try their candles, and I couldn't be happier. The scents are subtle yet effective, and I don't experience any of the headaches I used to get from conventional candles."

★★★★★

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do your candles burn?

Our standard 8oz candles have a burn time of approximately 40-50 hours when burned properly. The 4oz travel size candles burn for about 20-25 hours, while our larger 12oz vessels provide 60-70 hours of enjoyment. To maximize burn time, we recommend burning your candle for 2-3 hours at a time and trimming the wick to 1/4 inch before each use.

Are soy candles better than paraffin candles?

Yes, soy candles offer several advantages over paraffin candles. Soy wax is derived from soybeans, making it a renewable resource, whereas paraffin is a by-product of petroleum refining. Soy candles burn cleaner with little to no black soot, which means better indoor air quality. They also burn cooler and slower than paraffin, resulting in longer-lasting candles. Additionally, soy wax is biodegradable and easier to clean up if spilled.

How should I care for my candle?

To get the most from your Solterra candle: 1) Always trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting to prevent excessive smoke and uneven burning. 2) For the first burn, allow the wax to melt to the edges of the container (typically 2-3 hours) to prevent tunneling. 3) Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. 4) Keep the candle away from drafts, which can cause uneven burning and sooting. 5) Discontinue use when 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar.

Do you offer custom candles for events?

Yes! We love creating custom candles for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. We can personalize the fragrance, container, and labels to match your event theme. For wedding favors or corporate gifts, we offer bulk pricing and can include custom thank-you notes. Please contact us at least 6-8 weeks before your event to discuss your requirements and ensure we have ample time for production.

What if I'm sensitive to fragrances?

We understand that fragrance sensitivity is a concern for many people. We offer an unscented collection specifically designed for sensitive individuals. Additionally, our essential oil-based scents tend to be better tolerated than synthetic fragrances. We're happy to provide samples for testing before you commit to a full-sized candle. If you have specific sensitivities, please contact us, and we can recommend the best options for your needs.

Get in Touch

Have questions about our products or interested in wholesale opportunities? We'd love to hear from you! Fill out the form, and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Visit Our Shop

37 Flinders St, Fitzroy
Canberra ACT 5957

Call Us

453281477

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm