Frequently asked questions
What are botanical dressed candles?
A botanical dressed candle is a candle that has been intentionally adorned with carefully selected herbs, flowers, botanicals, crystals, or other natural elements chosen to complement the candle's intention. At Wholesomeology, the “dressing” is part of the creative and spiritual process. The materials are selected based on their symbolism, traditional associations, color, energy, or connection to the intention of the candle. Every candle is handmade, so the botanical placement and appearance will naturally vary from one candle to another.
Please remember that botanicals are combustible. Always follow the candle's safety instructions and never leave a burning candle unattended.
What is proper candle fire safety?
Candles are an open flame and should always be treated as a fire hazard. Never leave a burning candle unattended, this includes while sleeping or when leaving your home. Burn candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep them away from children, pets, drafts, and anything flammable. We recommend burning Wholesomeology candles indoors in a controlled environment. Do not burn them outdoors where wind or nearby grass, leaves, plants, or structures could create a fire hazard. Always follow the specific care instructions provided with your candle, and extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to sleep.
When in doubt, snuff it out.
What are your candles made from?
Our candles are made primarily from natural beeswax, along with carefully selected materials depending on the specific candle. Some candles may include botanicals, herbs, flowers, crystals, fragrance, or other decorative elements. Because our products are handmade and individual product formulas can vary, please refer to the specific product listing for the most accurate information about that candle.
Are your candles dripless?
No — our candles are not dripless. Our candles are intentionally handmade and designed to burn naturally. Depending on the candle, wick, environment, and burning conditions, you may experience dripping or a beautiful pool of melted wax. If you're looking for a completely clean, drip-free candle, these may not be the candles for you. Always burn your candle on an appropriate heat-resistant surface or in a suitable candle holder designed to catch melted wax.
Why does my candle look different from the photos?
Because they're handmade! Natural beeswax and botanicals can vary in color, texture, shape, and appearance. No two handmade candles will ever be perfectly identical. Your candle may have slight variations from the photographs or from another candle you've purchased from us. Those little differences are part of what makes your candle yours.
How long does processing take?
Please allow up to 2–3 weeks for your order to be handmade and prepared for shipment. Wholesomeology is a small, independently operated business, and every product is made by hand. I personally create, prepare, package, and ship your orders. During periods of high demand, launches, restocks, holidays, or other unexpected circumstances, processing may take longer. If your order is a pre-order, the estimated processing timeframe listed on the product page applies.
Processing time is not the same as shipping time. Your order must first be made and prepared before it is handed over to the shipping carrier.
I know waiting can be hard when you're excited about your goodies, but your patience gives me the time to make them with the care and intention they deserve.
Are your candles religious?
Wholesomeology isn't about prescribing one particular spiritual path. Our products are inspired by nature, intention, symbolism, ritual, spirituality, and the personal practices of the people who use them. You are welcome to incorporate them into whatever spiritual, religious, secular, or personal practice feels meaningful to you.
Why does it take so long to ship my order?
Because I don't have a warehouse full of candles waiting to go into boxes. I make them. Every candle is poured, dipped, dressed, finished, checked, packaged, and shipped by me. When demand is high, I may limit the number of orders available so I can keep up without sacrificing the quality and care that goes into each piece. You're supporting a genuinely handmade small business.. not a mass production operation.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping time begins after your order has been completed and shipped. Your order's total timeline therefore includes:
Processing time + carrier transit time = total delivery time
We ship primarily through USPS and UPS. Carrier delivery times are estimates and can be affected by weather, holidays, carrier delays, incorrect addresses, and other circumstances outside of our control. For complete information, please see our Shipping Policy.
What happens if my package arrives broken or damaged?
I'm so sorry! While every order is carefully packed before leaving Wholesomeology, sometimes packages have a rough journey.
Please contact us at wholesomeology@gmail.com within 7 days of delivery and include:
- Your order number
- Photos of the damaged product
- Photos of the packaging
- Photos of any visible damage to the shipping box
We'll review the situation and work with you on an appropriate resolution, which may include a replacement, store credit, or refund. Please don't throw away the packaging until we've had a chance to review the damage.
Can I return my candle if I don't like it?
Generally, no. Because Wholesomeology products are handmade, we do not accept returns simply because you changed your mind or don't like the scent, color, appearance, size, or other personal characteristics of the product. Please read product descriptions carefully before purchasing.
If your product arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us and we'll do our best to make it right. For complete details, please see our Refund & Return Policy.
Do you make custom intention candles?
Yes! Custom work is available. If you have a specific intention, color palette, botanical combination, symbolism, size, or concept in mind, I'd love to hear what you're dreaming up. Custom pieces are created on a case-by-case basis depending on the materials, quantity, timeline, and complexity of the request.
Please reach out to wholesomeology@gmail.com with as much information as possible about what you're looking for. I'll let you know what I can create and provide pricing and estimated production time. Please keep in mind that custom work may require additional processing time.
Do you offer wholesale?
Yes! Wholesomeology offers wholesale opportunities for approved retailers.
If you're interested in carrying Wholesomeology in your shop, please contact us at wholesomeology@gmail.com with information about your store and what you're interested in carrying or head to https://wholesomeology.com/pages/wholesale
Wholesale orders have their own pricing, minimums, production timelines, and terms.
Because every product is handmade, wholesale availability may be limited depending on current production capacity.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship internationally. International orders may be subject to additional shipping charges, customs requirements, import duties, taxes, or other fees imposed by the destination country. These fees are the responsibility of the customer unless otherwise stated at checkout.
International delivery times can vary significantly depending on the destination, customs processing, carrier delays, and other circumstances outside of our control. Please make sure your shipping address is complete and accurate before placing your order.
Wholesomeology is not responsible for delays caused by customs or for packages that cannot be delivered because of incorrect or incomplete address information.
What if I have a question that isn't answered here?
Just ask! Wholesomeology is a small business, and there's a real person behind your order. Email wholesomeology@gmail.com and I'll do my best to help. Please allow additional response time during launches, restocks, high-volume periods, and busy production seasons. Thank you for your patience, your support, and for choosing handmade.