About On the Bright Side

You will often see me saying the word "us" but it's really just little ol' me. My name is Gina, I am 33, a partner to Corey and a fur momma to miss Myka, my nearly 13-year-old cat. I started creating candles back in 2016 because I couldn't find a candle that didn't give me a migraine!

The Journey Began

Around 2012 I started experiencing some debilitating symptoms that brought me to the hospital at least once a week. Every time they did a test everything looked ‘normal’, but I felt terrible!

When I first got sick, I was constantly being told, "Look on the Bright Side at least you don't have this... or that" and it got really annoying to be honest. When you have a chronic invisible illness, that doctors can’t even figure out, it’s very frustrating and quite scary.

Being home so much I started researching possible mold in the home and that’s when I stumbled across toxins in every-day household products! Lo and behold, one of my favorite things was FULL of toxins. Candles!

I took this as a sign and I started looking into creating my own candles. Candles were something that centered me. A day of candle creating was my therapy. The feeling of wax in your hands, the patience to watch it melt slowly, the organization of putting the vessels out and finally, the mesmerizing pouring of the melted wax. It's like nothing you can describe.

Candles, to me, became a gentle reminder that darkness fades, and the light always returns.

Trying to Cope

I graduated cosmetology school in 2016 with a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia, I was at the point in my illness where I could barely stand long enough for a salon service. I was using compression socks to keep my blood pressure up and a cooling towel to keep my body temperature regulated. There were so many things I had to do, just for my body to act ‘normal’. It was exhausting. With POTS, comes several other conditions and one being Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

I was in such denial, I hopped from one salon to the next hoping it may be different, but I could not tolerate the chemicals. It just kept getting worse. I was stuck. What do I do now? This is all I planned for...

It came time for the heartbreaking decision to end my dream career as an hairstylist, after just a couple short years. This put me in a very dark place because that was, what I had thought, my purpose. 

*I didn't even apply to college, I studied business, marketing, accounting and entrepreneurship to cosmetology while I was still in high school so I would be a step ahead, but I couldn't get school funding until I was no longer considered a dependent at 26 so I spent years working in management positions to get that business experience to run my salon.

I started brainstorming and it made me think of that annoying phrase, “Look on the Bright Side”. Candles are my Bright Side. Candles are what gets me out of the darkness and gives me hope again and again. Having a pure, chemical free, candle option is such a passion of mine and my health can’t afford to cheap out on ingredients. Guaranteeing only the best. I want to share what I’ve created with others that have sensitivities but still want to enjoy a pleasant candle!

My goal with this is to help you make your home a little less toxic in every way and eventually donate a % of proceeds for mental health and pots causes.

100% Natural & Transparent

The majority of candle companies will say they have a proprietary blend and will not tell you exactly what is in their products. Here at OTBS ALL Products are made with pure and natural ingredients. Paraben and phthalate-free. Cruelty-Free. Sustainably sourced. SDS Certified. Allergens Declaration Certified. IFRA Compliant in the US, EU and Japan. Prop 65 Compliant. Every candle will have an itemized list of every ingredient in it. If you need more information, I am happy to share SDS, GCMS, Allergen Info, etc. at your request.

Let's Talk Types of Wax

Soy Wax - Clean

Soy Wax is non-toxic and clean burning,when you have the right supplier. What MOST soy wax companies won't tell you is that it is not pure soy, as some manufacturers still include a small amount of paraffin! This is crucial, so if you already have a chandler, make sure they are reading the fine print!!

Apricot Wax - Clean

Apricot wax is a modern-day marvel of innovation and sustainability. It is derived from the kernels of apricot fruits. This natural wax is made from a blend of coconut oil and apricot kernel oil, making it soft, creamy, and easy to work with. It offers a smooth, clean burn and is biodegradable and renewable.

Coconut Wax - Clean

Coconut Wax is also one of the cleanest burning waxes and often considered the best natural wax option, so we've actually blended this with our Pure Soy Wax, and Apricot Wax, to make the perfect candle.

Beeswax - Clean but not Vegan

Beeswax is non-toxic and clean burning as well. Especially when combined with a wooden wick. However, it's not Vegan. It's also a hard wax that doesn't hold scent well and usually needs an additive or a lot of testing to figure out how to get them to work, whether it's blending with other waxes or adding a carrier oil.

(Basically, Not beginner friendly.)

It also has a natural scent that I do not enjoy, making it hard to imagine mixing with other scents. So it's personally not MY preference but still a Non-Toxic option.

Paraffin Wax - What Most Store Brands are made from - Just Say No!

Most candles, handmade or store bought, contain Paraffin Wax. Conventionally paraffin wax is derived as a byproduct of petroleum, coal, or oil shale and contains controversial and harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene.

Toxic Emissions: Burning paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene, which can be carcinogenic.

Petroleum-Based: Paraffin is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable and polluting resource.

Incomplete Combustion: Poor burning can produce soot, which harms air quality and respiratory health.

Release of VOCs: Paraffin releases volatile organic compounds that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Non-Biodegradable: Paraffin wax doesn’t break down in the environment, contributing to waste.

Skin Irritation: Some paraffin products can irritate sensitive skin and clog pores.

Health Risks from Inhalation: Breathing in paraffin fumes or soot can worsen respiratory conditions.

My Candle Ingredients

  • Pure & Organic Wax Blend: High Performance & all natural, blend of mainly pure soy (over 75%) along with coconut and apricot waxes -- zero paraffin content.
  • Phthalate Free, Paraben Free, Non-Toxic Fragrances: I ONLY source fragrances from suppliers that provide documentation of their GCMS testing. EU has stricter guidelines than the US where they require this extensive testing, ensuring I am getting the purest and cleanest ingredients free of all harmful chemicals.
  • Sustainably Sourced Wooden Wicks Made in the USA: They crackle when they burn! Making a relaxing ambiance similar to a campfire or fireplace.

That's It!

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