Why I Started Salt + Light Co.

By Shelley Hall, Founder of Salt + Light Co.

It all began at my kitchen table, during the stillness of 2020. As a teacher and a mom of two girls, like so many of us, my days were filled with to-do lists and never-ending tasks. So in the midst of the pandemic, I found myself in a strange, uncertain space, the usual noise and busyness was stripped away. The world had suddenly come to a halt, I finally had time to just be, and there in a moment of peace sitting at my kitchen table began the journey of Salt + Light.

I’ve always been drawn to creating – whether it’s beading, decoupage, mosaics, scrapbooking, or watercolour painting, you name it, I’ve tried it. So, while many were baking banana bread during lockdown (cooking’s never really been my thing), I found myself pouring candles instead. At first, it was just a creative outlet – a little ritual that gave me comfort and calm during a chaotic season. I experimented with lots of different waxes and became obsessed with watching YouTube videos about candle making. They say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince, well, in candle making, you have to pour a lot of lumpy, wonky, slightly tragic candles before you learn to make a beautiful one! So that’s what I did.

And turning my kitchen hobby into a business? Now that was a venture of it’s own! I may not have a traditional business background, but after 20+ years of teaching young children, I’m able to improvise like a pro, stay patient under pressure and solve (what feels like) 437 problems before lunch. It turns out, some of these superpowers are quite handy in running a business too. I’ve always held on to a story shared by Marie Forleo. She says her mom taught her that nothing in life is too complicated. If you roll up your sleeves, dive in, and just start – everything is figureoutable.

By focusing on progress over perfection, my hobby has grown into a heartfelt business rooted in mindfulness and purpose. Through Salt + Light Co., I wanted to share the same sense of calm that candle-making brought me. My goal was to create products that felt warm and thoughtful – candles that could brighten someone’s day.

I knew I wanted to create Salt + Light in a way that was kind to people and the planet. So, I chose clean-burning coconut wax, vegan-friendly fragrance oils, and sustainable packaging that felt special but considered. Every candle is hand-poured in small batches with care and intention. The playful side of my personality shines through in the names I give my candles – like “Fresh Cut Flowers + Gardening for Hours.” As a teacher, I’ve spent years dreaming up rhymes and wordplay, so it felt natural (and fun!) to carry that creativity into my candle collection.

 

Why the Name Salt + Light?

The name is inspired by a verse that has always stayed with me – Matthew 5:13-16. It’s a reminder to live with purpose, to bring flavour and light into the lives of others, and to show up with kindness and courage. I wanted my brand to embody that. Salt + Light Co. is about creating products that nourish your soul and spark connection, both in your own life and in the lives of others.

Light in the Darkness

From the start, I wanted Salt + Light Co. to be about more than just beautiful products. I wanted it to be a brand that gives back – that shines light in places that need it most.
That’s why a portion of every candle sold goes toward supporting Heatherbank School, a nonprofit in Gqeberha, South Africa, that provides quality education to children from underserved communities. This mission is incredibly close to my heart as education has the power to change lives. Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness.” By lighting one of my candles, you’re helping to spread some of that light into the lives of others. It’s a small act, but one that carries hope and the power to make a difference.

 

Self care is not just for Sundays

I was scrolling through memory lane on my Facebook page the other day when I came across a quote I shared back in 2020. It read: “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” That really struck a chord with me. I knew I didn’t want to jump straight back onto the hamster wheel, rushing from pillar to post.

In today’s fast-paced world, slowing down is often seen as a luxury – but I believe it’s a necessity. It’s in those quiet, intentional moments that we reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and what truly matters. Whether it’s enjoying a hot cup of tea, reading a chapter of a book, or lighting a candle and sinking into a warm bath, these small rituals can do big things for us.

Salt + Light Co. is my way of encouraging those moments. It’s not just about candles – it’s about the lifestyle and values they represent: mindfulness, intention, beauty, and self care.

I’m honoured to share that Salt + Light Co. was recently featured in Home magazine – proof that the quiet, purposeful work we do when nobody’s watching can shine brightly in the world. It’s a humbling reminder that slow beginnings can lead to beautiful places.

This is just the beginning. As Salt + Light Co. grows, I remain committed to staying true to the heart of this brand – creating thoughtful products that offer moments of calm, joy and building a community of women who value slow living, soulful gifting, and sustainable choices.

Thank you for being here and for supporting my small, but mighty business. Here’s to more light, more slow moments, and more stories worth sharing.
With gratitude,
Shelley x
Founder, Salt + Light Co.

Explore More

✨ Browse our hand-poured coconut wax candle collection
✨ Follow our journey on Instagram: @salt_and_light_company
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