At Uncommon Wick, we’re not your ordinary candle company — because I’ve never been drawn to ordinary.

I’ve always surrounded myself with beauty. From flowers in my garden to whimsical touches outdoors, I’ve been drawn to details that make a space feel personal and lived in. When it came to candles, I wanted that same intention. Not mason jars or paper labels, but elevated design — vessels that feel refined, sculptural, and beautiful enough to live on display in any home or workspace.

Each candle is created with that in mind. From the vessel to the fragrance, everything is chosen to feel calm, clean, and inviting — never overpowering, always gift-friendly.

Design, however, is only part of the story.

Earlier in my career, I owned six Hallmark stores, where I saw firsthand the power of words. A simple message could celebrate a milestone, offer comfort, or say what’s sometimes hard to put into words. That experience stayed with me, and years later became the inspiration behind our Message Candles — created for moments when a card alone isn’t enough.

After that chapter, my husband Ed and I went on to own and operate a corporate gifting and branding company. Working closely with businesses gave us a deeper understanding of thoughtful gifting at scale — what feels meaningful, what feels transactional, and how the right gift can turn customers into clients for life.

I’m also the founder of Legacy Realty Group / Rental Guys Property Management, where referrals and long-term relationships are everything. In real estate, you quickly learn that staying top of mind isn’t about constant selling — it’s about being remembered for the way you make people feel. A thoughtful, well-timed gesture can speak louder than a dozen follow-ups, and the right gift can quietly reinforce trust, appreciation, and connection long after the moment has passed.

Uncommon Wick was born from the combination of these experiences: a love of elevated design, an appreciation for meaningful words, and a deep understanding of relationship-driven gifting.

We believe a candle can be more than wax and flame. It can be décor. It can carry a message. And it can create moments of connection — whether given in celebration, gratitude, comfort, or shared as a refined business gift.

Not your ordinary candle — for moments that matter.

— Shelley Alterman
Founder, Uncommon Wick