Our Story
We make candles for the spaces you live in.
Sawdust & Embers started with a simple idea: candles should feel like part of your everyday, not saved for special occasions. We focus on familiar, balanced scents—wood, linen, earth—that create atmosphere without demanding attention.
Our candles are designed for quiet rituals. The morning coffee at the kitchen table. The evening wind-down on the sofa. The in-between moments that shape your day.
We work from Texas, where the landscape informs our approach—grounded, minimal, intentional. Each candle is made to settle into your routine and your space, becoming part of the background rather than the centerpiece.
Candles for lived-in rooms and the rituals that happen in them.
Meet the Founders
Hi, we're John and Brett Marquez! In 2016, we turned our candle-making hobby into a thriving business. From our North Texas studio, we built Sawdust & Embers on quality craftsmanship and eco-friendly materials, using special soy wax blends and American-made containers.
Fun Facts
Our Favorite Candles: Brett loves Heathered Cashmere, while John prefers Muir Woods (inspired by a special trip and his first fragrance creation!).
Husky Love: We're proud parents to two huskies, Kyra and Nala.
Fun Facts
How We Met: A (now defunct) gay dating app – gotta love modern romance!
Winding Down: Brett enjoys snacks and a good show (true crime, TLC, or a book), while John keeps busy (it's hard to stop when you love what you do!).
Thank You! Your support means everything! Choosing Sawdust & Embers helps us keep the tradition of handcrafted goods alive.
Find your signature scent
Explore our candle collection and discover a whole new world of fragrance.