About Us

In loving memory of Koda Bear 2009 - 2021.

In a very sad turn of events Koda passed away suddenly in Feb 2021. I have not had the strength to update the website to "in loving memory" instead of "in his honour"... but each day that passes I know it is important to update our Koda Candles family (old and new).

I started Koda Candles because of the inspiration my little shadow had given me over the years. I had said to my friends, it will be a great way to honour him one day when he is no longer with me... I had no idea Koda had prostate cancer at this time and my days with him were limited. 

We found out early December, we knew there wasn't a lot more time as the tumour was inoperable and Koda would soon start to suffer. I spent my days taking care of him and trying to keep him strong and at a healthy weight. This was a daily and hourly struggle but with perserverance as well as Koda knowing I was helping him, he managed to eat enough to have energy for the dog park walks he loved so much, people and all the treatsies.

Koda passed away in my arms, feeling loved and safe in such a peaceful and beautiful way. Days without him are lonely and sad, I keep looking for him. I know this heart break should get easier... for now it's one day at a time.

Knowing that each candle that is lit is in his honour and people sharing in celebration of his life makes me smile. I am proud of him and how he helped me feel what deep, selfless love feels like. 

I feel truly blessed to have been able to spend the last few months I had with him, holding him a little tighter, kissing him more than I think I ever had and loving and enjoying every moment.

I know not everyone gets time to process the thought of saying goodbye, I feel privilaged that I got to hold him and speak to him while he left... he was at peace and deserved to feel that safe and loved in his last moment. A blessing not many people get with their animals.

"My little Koda Bear, my boy, my noo noo's, my bubu's... my heart will never fully heal because you have a part of it. 

Hi there, I am a South African born in beautiful Cape Town and moved here in 2008. Calgary very quickly became home for me, I fell in love with the picturesque mountains, all of the outdoor activities, the Christmas Season and dare I say - the snow... I still feel like I am living in a fairytale (be it a very cold fairytale). 

Unfortunately my love for the mountains led to a horrible mountain bike accident, leaving me with a brain injury that turned my life upside down. I had to relearn to do everything I had taken for granted but with a lot of challenges and ups and downs.

Koda Candles was born out of this life changing accident. I was finally feeling well enough to want to get back to having a purpose but couldn't quite drive or leave my house yet, so a determination to make a clean burning candle for myself to ensure it wouldn't bring on headaches or flare ups was my focus. After making a few for myself, I fell in love with how happy it made me and how I LOVED playing with fragrances. I come from a family of florists so naturally am drawn to scents and all the feels around them. Being able to make candles with Koda Bear by my side and taking the breaks I needed gave me hope.

What I wasn't expecting was to receive the most incredible and uplifting support from my friends here in cold YYC - soon I was making candles for others to enjoy as well, which has snowballed into a passion that brings me SO. MUCH. JOY.

I named it Koda Candles because I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through life but more importantly the last year without him. He truly is my light and I want to share that with the world ;)