Concrete Garden Candles

I’m Char, the founder of Concrete Garden Candles, a Brooklyn-based candle and home décor studio originally started in my tiny Harlem apartment in 2019. After navigating major life changes—including a career pivot from the high-pressure world of corporate finance—I began to understand how essential it is to not only work toward meaningful goals, but to intentionally create moments of joy, creativity, and connection along the way.

Inspired by my mother’s love for crafting, I set out to share this balance of ambition and self-care with others. I saw firsthand how a single candle could transform even the smallest New York apartment into a comforting, grounding space. That became the heart of Concrete Garden—a blend of urban resilience (Concrete Jungle) and personal sanctuary (Secret Garden).

Over time, Concrete Garden Candles has grown to include not just hand-poured candles, but handcrafted concrete décor. Crafting with concrete became more than just a medium—it became a metaphor. Its raw texture, weight, and imperfection are a reflection of life: evolving and full of character. Today, we’ve expanded into scent-centered home goods, additional décor, and most recently, wellness-focused fragrance workshops for teams and organizations.

Now serving New York City and beyond, my hope is that every product and experience we offer helps others slow down, reconnect, and design a life they love—on their terms.