Every brand has an origin story, but few are as deeply personal and transformative as that of Wndrmade®. It began not in a boardroom, but during a quiet period of healing. It was born from necessity, nurtured by care, and built on the belief that what we bring into our homes should contribute to our well-being.

A Personal Quest for Purity

The journey started when co-founders Alice Yeung and Stephen Biebel traded the bustle of New York City for the serene quiet of the Catskill Mountains. This move was prompted by Alice’s diagnosis and recovery from thyroid cancer, a life event that brought with it a profound shift, including an acute sensitivity to synthetic fragrances. The candles and home scents they once enjoyed became sources of irritation.

In their search for alternatives, they encountered a frustrating reality. Many products labeled “natural” or “luxury” still relied on synthetic fragrance oils, lab-altered molecular isolates, or blends that masked petrochemical ingredients. For someone as sensitive as Alice, these weren’t an option. The market lacked what they were truly seeking: beautifully complex scents made purely and entirely from real plant ingredients.

So, Stephen decided to create it himself. Drawing on a passion for perfumery, he began experimenting, not with pre-made formulas from a lab, but with whole essential oils and botanical extracts. This personal project to create a safe, comforting environment for Alice laid the foundation for Wndrmade’s core principle: authentic, in-house natural fragrance creation.

Beyond ‘Natural’: The Art of True Botanical Perfumery

What sets a Wndrmade candle apart is a meticulous, in-house process that prioritizes authenticity over industry norms. This commitment to an artisan approach is built on several key pillars:

  • In-House Artistry: Every scent is an original composition, designed from scratch in their Kerhonkson studio by co-founder Stephen Biebel. They never use pre-made formulas or outsource to labs.
  • Complex Botanical Blends: Each fragrance is a symphony of 12 to 20 different essential oils and botanical extracts, meticulously layered to create a uniquely complex and sophisticated aroma.
  • A Rejection of Synthetics: Wndrmade consciously rejects the use of synthetic fragrance oils, lab-altered molecular isolates, and hidden petrochemicals commonly found in the industry.
  • A Truly Holistic Scent: By using only whole plant extracts, their scents—like the grounding HNKI (Hinoki) and the sacred PALO (Palo Santo)—carry the authentic, subtle complexities that nature intended.

The experience is noticeably different. A Wndrmade candle doesn’t shout for attention; it enhances the atmosphere. It’s designed to be lived with, creating a grounding presence that complements a space rather than overpowering it. As one customer beautifully put it, “Seriously the best candles I’ve bought in recent memory. Fragrances are so clean and authentic to the ingredients.”

Intentional Down to the Wick

The brand’s thoughtful approach extends to its physical form. Crafted in small batches, the candles are housed in carefully chosen vessels designed for a second life. The 7 oz candle comes in a classic, clear rocks glass, perfect for repurposing long after the flame has gone out. For smaller spaces or travel, the 4 oz candle is encased in a sleek, matte black precision-machined aluminum alloy tin, designed for durability and reuse. This minimalist aesthetic ensures the products not only smell beautiful but also seamlessly integrate into any decor.

Cultivating Calm: Scent as a Daily Ritual

This focus on clean ingredients, artisan craftsmanship, and sustainable design is at the heart of Wndrmade. It’s for anyone seeking a more intentional way to experience scent—whether due to sensitivity or simply a preference for something genuinely rooted in nature.

Lighting a Wndrmade candle becomes a small ritual. It can signal the start of a quiet morning, a mindful break in a busy day, or a tranquil transition into evening. It’s a simple act that connects us back to the natural world and, as the brand’s journey proves, back to ourselves. For those who are sensitive to fragrance, one testimonial says it all: “The only candle I’ll burn, literally. I’m very sensitive to fragrance, and this candle never bothers me.”

Wndrmade is more than just a home fragrance brand; it’s a testament to creating with purpose, a reflection of a journey from healing to creating, and an invitation to fill our personal spaces with scents that are as pure and intentional as nature itself.

Written in partnership with Tom White