Meet Brianne Drew, the founder and creative force behind Ebony & Ivory Candle Co., a Calgary-based business handcrafting non-toxic soy candles, soaps, and clean home goods that are as beautiful as they are sustainable. What began as a heartfelt fundraiser for a friend has grown into a thriving company rooted in memory, scent, and intentional living.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Ebony & Ivory Candle Co. We don’t just make candles—we create feelings. Our non-toxic, handcrafted soy candles, hand soaps, refillable cleaners, and clean perfumes are all made with sustainable, phthalate-free ingredients that won’t leave you with a headache. We believe in making people feel something through scent, memory, and beauty, all while being kind to the environment and safe for your home.
What made you want to do this work?
It all started from a place of love. A close friend’s husband was diagnosed with ALS, and I began making candles as part of a fundraiser to help. But when the fundraiser ended, I realized I wasn’t finished. Something had been lit in me—pun fully intended… and I couldn’t walk away from this creative outlet that had turned into a calling.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to create products that were both beautiful and safe. As a mom of two small kids, I care deeply about what we bring into our home. I grew up in a farming community, and I’ve always known how sustainable and clean soy wax is. I wanted to support farmers, reduce toxins, and offer something that was healthier for people and the planet. No compromises—just high-quality, thoughtfully made home goods.
Who are your clientele or demographics?
Our customers are people who care about clean living and thoughtful design. While women tend to make most of the purchases, some of our most loyal clients are men. Our products resonate with anyone who values quality, health, and creating spaces that feel intentional and inviting.
How does your business make money?
Every day, I’m hustling—HAHA! But seriously, we make money by creating and selling products we truly believe in. Every item is made with care, from the ingredients we use to the way it’s packaged and presented. People connect with the honesty and heart behind the brand.
How does it work?
We stay rooted in who we are. We value clean living, meaningful products, and the little things that make a space feel like home. Our team genuinely loves what we do, and that authenticity is reflected in everything we create. It’s about offering something real, beautiful, and made with care.
Where in the city can we find your products?
You can always shop with us online, 24/7, and we offer free shipping across Canada. For those who love to shop in person, Silk Plant Warehouse carries a beautiful selection of our candles. We know it’s a little unusual to buy something scent-based online, so we go the extra mile to describe our scents in a way that helps you feel confident in what you’re choosing.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? What’s the answer?
“Why are these candles more expensive than others?”
Oh, I live for this question.
Because ours are made by hand in small batches, by real people, right here in Canada. We use sustainable soy wax, not paraffin (which is cheaper and less clean). Our ingredients are safe, our scents are thoughtfully created, and our candles burn longer and cleaner than mass-produced alternatives. So yes, they may cost a little more upfront, but the long-term value, quality, and integrity far outweigh the difference.
What is the best part about what you do?
I get to work with my best friends every day. I don’t have “staff,” I have a team of women & men who support and uplift one another. We laugh together, cry together, celebrate wins together, and lift each other through the hard days. And in the middle of all that, we make candles. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t just fill your day—it fills your soul.
What is the worst part?
The constant balancing act between business and motherhood. I’m a single mom to two incredible girls, and I want to give them my full love and attention. At the same time, I have big dreams for this business. Sometimes that means putting parts of those dreams on pause until the timing is right. It’s not always easy, but I remind myself that I’m building something slowly and meaningfully—and that’s okay.
What is your favourite joke about your profession?
We have so much fun naming our candles. Some names come from witty, cheeky brainstorming sessions, some are wildly inappropriate and even make it to market (wink, wink). Our humour is a big part of what makes this work so special. We’re a little sentimental, a little weird, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Where can we follow you?
You can find us across Canada in some of your favourite retail stores (check our website to see where we’re wholesaled closest to you).
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | TikTok
Follow along for new launches, behind-the-scenes moments, and a whole lot of candle love.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Silk Plant Warehouse. They’ve supported us from the very beginning and continue to showcase our products with such care. Plus, their space is absolutely gorgeous—it’s like stepping into a botanical dream.
