June 21, 2023

How did Keystone get started?

In November 2018, I began the journey of candle-making as a hobby. Shortly after, in February 2019, I relocated to Colorado. The winter months made me miss the nostalgic scents of my childhood spent by the water in Florida and the Coastal Collection was born.

After living in Colorado for a while, I expanded the line to include our Mountain Collection and when covid hit, the Calming Collection was born. Life presented its own set of trials as I unexpectedly lost two jobs within a span of eight months so I began participating in more markets, reaching out to a wider audience, and the company grew organically. In 2021, I was able to pursue my passion full-time.

Our goal has always been to create the highest quality of products using the safest ingredients along with ensuring that our candles are made in 100% recycled (not just recyclable) glass, labels, tissue paper, and packaging. Plus the glass comes topped with seeded paper to plant and grow wildflowers.

We prioritize the well-being of our customers and the environment by utilizing clean, non-toxic ingredients that are free of harmful chemicals. Our vegan and cruelty-free candles are thoughtfully designed to be environmentally friendly by using 100% recycled glass, labels, and packaging.

We are also proud to be a plastic-free company, helping to minimize our environmental impact. Beyond our environmental initiatives, we believe in giving back to the community. That’s why we proudly support local animal rescues in Denver, as a way of making a positive impact on those around us.

Can you describe the scents featured in this month’s Vellabox?

Inspired by the nostalgic scents of my childhood spent in Florida, I set out to create a collection that would help transport me back to the coast. The Coastal Collection consists of 6 scents.

Palm Tree is all about relaxing, unwinding, and smelling the fresh sea breeze. With notes of coconut, citrus, and lime, this candle will leave you feeling like you’re on a beach with a tropical drink in hand.

Harmony is infused with the scent of lavender, sage, and cedar evoking the feeling of being in a luxurious, tranquil spa. Perfect for creating the calming experience you deserve.

Sunrise is an energizing scented candle featuring hints of citrus, sea salt, sage, and driftwood. A perfect combination of notes that can help energize your morning wake-up or meditation routine.

These featured scents are available in the Vellabox candle shop!

Other than candles, what other products do you sell?

I began testing handcrafted wood products in 2022 and this year we launched a full collection of wood plant holders. I firmly believe that the combination of plants and candles holds the power to create an environment that nurtures the soul and fosters a sense of nature-inspired tranquility.

We handcraft our wooden propagation stations and air plant displays made from sustainable solid cedar, cherry, and maple woods. Each piece is only finished with clear, natural linseed oil so you can enjoy the beauty of the wood in its most natural state.

What values or pillars does your business take pride in?

We believe sustainable business practices and indulging in everyday luxuries
go hand-in-hand—we all deserve to be well taken care of. Through our sustainable and socially responsible business practices, we create consciously crafted goods with your well-being in mind.

“We practice being sustainable, transparent, community-driven, hand-crafted, supportive, inclusive and nature-inspired.”

Britt McGaughan, Founder of Keystone Inspired Co.

We are committed to creating eco-conscious, vegan, non-toxic candles without sacrificing quality. We want you to feel that sense of relief that comes from unwinding at the end of the day with your favorite candle without having to sacrifice your values.

Since the June Vellabox has a travel theme, where’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to or where do you hope to travel to in the future?

I spent a couple of years solo traveling and among all of the beautiful destinations I encountered, Iceland has always held a special place in my heart. There were so many new experiences to be had and landscapes that I had never seen before.

I fell in love with everything there. From the view of the snowy mountains, icy waterfalls, cotton candy skies to the number of stars in the sky and the coziness of restaurants when returning to the city after a day of exploring. Not to mention I saw the Northern Lights! It was an absolute dream and a feeling I will never forget.

Any candle scents inspired by travels?

This trip is why I eventually moved to Colorado. I wanted to be closer to awe-inspiring views and nature and it is the inspiration behind the Mountain Collection.