Turning Passion into Purpose: Milk Jar's Origin Story.

When our CEO Holly Singer first started pouring candles at her kitchen table, she wasn’t just creating a product—she was crafting a vision. What began as a personal hobby quickly grew into something far bigger: a mission of making the world a more inclusive place.

After learning that many candles on the market were made with toxic paraffin wax and phthalates, Holly began to learn the skill of making natural, clean-burning alternatives. What started as a creative outlet and gifts for family and friends became a labour of love, and she saw an opportunity to use her creations as a way to give back to the community.

Years before founding Milk Jar, Holly’s time as a Kinesiology student at the University of Calgary left a lasting impression. She formed a close bond with a boy with Cerebral Palsy and his mother, seeing firsthand the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. That experience fostered her passion to advocate for inclusion, something that has become the heart of our company.

In 2016, Holly founded Milk Jar with two goals: to create high-quality, clean-burning candles and to make a meaningful impact. She set out to raise $500 in Milk Jar’s first year to support programs for children with disabilities. Little did she know, this goal would mark the beginning of something much bigger.

Eight years later, we've grown into a household name in Calgary, and have expanded globally with over 600 stockists worldwide. With every product we make sold, $1 is donated to non-profits that help create inviting spaces and equal opportunities for all. To date, Milk Jar has donated over $390,000 and counting, supporting initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen the connections and well-being of communities.

We also act on our mission by actively practicing inclusive hiring, creating equitable professional opportunities and a safe, welcoming workspace for people with disabilities. It’s a reflection of Holly’s belief that we all have a responsibility to uplift and advocate for others.

Today, we still manufacture our candles and other products in Calgary, maintaining our commitment to create quality products made with love. From kitchen tables to homes and international stockists, we've become a staple in Canadian apothecary.

What began as a creative hobby is now a movement for connection, inclusion, and purpose. And we're just getting started.