Our Story

 My name is Clayton James, creator of The Velvet Ember. This is not just a brand—it’s a culmination of my journey through love, loss, and the pursuit of artistry. My passion for candle-making began in 2014, during one of the most transformative times of my life. After the unexpected passing of my spouse, I found solace in carrying forward his alternative spirituality brand, which he started in 2009. What began as a way to honor his legacy grew into my own creative calling: crafting candles that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

For seven years, I immersed myself in the world of figure candles, creating intricate designs that served a niche market. But as time passed, I felt a pull toward something new—a desire to shift from figure candles to container candles that stood out from the sea of generic round glass jars dominating the market. I wanted to create something that didn’t just illuminate spaces but transformed them, something that didn’t feel disposable but timeless. That vision became The Velvet Ember.

Our Inspiration and Style

Inspired by timeless colors, The Velvet Ember’s designs embrace a palette of black, white, and gold — hues that embody boldness, mystery, and sophistication. Our goal is to create a candle that doesn’t just look luxurious but also evokes a powerful sense of place and memory through its scent. There’s nothing quite like watching a customer pick up a The Velvet Ember candle, close their eyes, and smile as the fragrance takes them somewhere special. Each vessel combines beauty, strength, and sustainability from the materials used to the wax and wicks.

Mission & Vision

At The Velvet Ember, we’re on a mission to break away from ordinary candle molds. Our products are crafted to be more than just candles; they’re luxury-crafted, artisan-made treasures with quality and sustainability at their core. Each candle is made in small batches, ensuring care and attention to every detail, from the richness of the scent to the design of the vessel.

Looking ahead, our vision is to create an unforgettable experience — from unboxing to lighting. The Velvet Ember strives to be a recognized name in innovative, sustainable design, committed to using materials sourced from nature and crafting complex, memorable fragrances. We aim to light up homes with candles that are as thoughtful as they are beautiful, bringing warmth, light, and timeless style for generations to come.

Luxury-Crafted. Artisan-Made. Small-Batch.

A The Velvet Ember candle is more than a candle — it’s an experience, a memory, and a work of art. Join us on our journey to create candles that inspire, connect, and illuminate.