By: Maria Williams

For Taddeus and Sharah McNeal, candles had always been part of their lives, setting the mood for meaningful moments together. However, they grew concerned about the potential for toxic chemicals in many mainstream candles, which conflicted with their desire to enjoy this ritual in a way that supported their health and well-being. This concern sparked the creation of Affirmare Candle Co., a brand built on love, connection, and empowerment. More than just a candle company, Affirmare offers couples a unique way to deepen their bond and nurture emotional growth through the combination of vegan, non-toxic candles and affirmations—small statements intended to encourage connection.

Empowerment at the Core of Affirmare’s Mission

“We’re not relationship gurus,” Sharah clarifies. “We’ve had our own struggles, just like anyone else. But we stumbled onto something that worked for us and thought – why not share it?”

That “something” was a simple ritual: lighting a candle together and sharing daily affirmations. It sounds almost too basic to have an effect, but the McNeals value its impact on their connection. “It forces you to slow down, to be present,” Taddeus explains. “In a world of constant distractions, that’s significant for romance and intimacy.” This realization inspired the creation of Affirmare Candle Co., quickly becoming more than just a personal ritual.

Affirmare’s candles prompt couples to engage in positive dialogue through affirmation cards. For the McNeals, it’s not about grand romantic gestures or declarations of love. These affirmations encourage couples to carve out moments of connection that fit even the busiest schedules, celebrating love in small acts that help enrich the soul.

Empowerment through Communication and Affirmation

The idea was born out of necessity. Like many couples, Taddeus and Sharah had drifted apart under the weight of daily responsibilities. “We were like ships passing in the night,” Sharah recalls. “We needed something to anchor us.”

Sharah had always enjoyed making candles as a hobby. One night, she lit one of her creations after a particularly tense day. The couple found themselves having a genuine conversation for the first time in weeks.

“It was like the candle gave us permission to pause,” Taddeus says. “We started making it a regular thing, adding in affirmations to keep the conversation flowing.” When friends noticed a positive shift in their relationship and asked for their secret, the McNeals realized they might be onto something larger than a personal ritual.

Affirmare Candle Co. was launched to encourage couples to cultivate deep, intentional connections through shared affirmations, candle-lit experiences, and meaningful communication. However, the McNeals are clear that this isn’t a guaranteed fix.

“We’re not offering guaranteed results,” Sharah reiterates. “We’re offering a tool. Each couple’s experience may vary.”

Health-Conscious and Eco-Friendly

Wanting to create something safe, beautiful, and lasting, Affirmare’s candles reflect the brand’s commitment to the environment and the health of its customers. A core aspect of Affirmare’s mission is offering health-conscious products. Their candles are made from vegan soy wax and non-toxic ingredients, helping couples enjoy their rituals without worrying about potentially harmful chemicals. “If we’re encouraging people to use these regularly, we want to make sure they’re not filling their homes with anything questionable,” Taddeus explains.

As for the scents? “We keep it simple,” Sharah says. “Nothing overpowering or distracting. The focus should be on the conversation, not whether you can smell it from the next room.” Affirmare’s candles are intentionally subtle, with scents designed to enhance ambiance without overwhelming the space.

Affirmare’s commitment to sustainability and well-being is reflected in every candle they produce.

Strength in Bonds and Empowerment

Affirmare is still a young company, but it’s gaining traction. The McNeals attribute this to the universal desire for connection in an increasingly disconnected world. “Everyone’s looking for a way to stay close to their partner,” Taddeus observes. “We’re just providing one way to do that.”

More than just candles, Affirmare’s products serve as tools for couples to build and maintain meaningful relationships. They give couples an accessible way to express love and gratitude, even during busy times.

Sharah notes, “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here. We’re just reminding people to slow down, light a candle, and talk to each other. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.”

In a world of complex relationship advice and high-tech solutions, Affirmare’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. It’s not about grand gestures or elaborate date nights. It’s about creating small, consistent moments of connection—one candle at a time.

Published by: Nelly Chavez