About Us and Our Candles

About Riley Smith aka Candle Cowboy

I lost my sense of smell for several years and regained it with the help of surgery in 2019. One of the things I missed most when I couldn't smell were scented candles and how comforting they are. I'm also a huge thrifter and buying new vessels to pour candles in just didn't sit right with me, so I combined my love of both scented candles + vintage items by starting Candle Cowboy in 2021. Sourcing vintage vessels, pouring gorgeously scented candles in them, and seeing them featured prominently + lovingly in your homes is one of my greatest joys.

Keeping with my love of all things old, I live in a 1930's home in Auburn, Maine with my wife, Caroline and our rescue dog, Bandit.

About Our Wax and Fragrances

Our candle wax is a Virgin Coconut Soy blend. It is clean burning, biodegradable, and natural. It also comes from a renewable resource and is vegan and non-toxic. Our fragrances are phthalate free. 

About Our Vessels

Our vessels are almost all secondhand or vintage and are typically purchased in Maine, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire. Vessels may have slight imperfections such as scuffs or scratches but all are in good, usable condition unless otherwise noted. Each vessel was hand-selected and we hope you'll continue to use your vessel for years to come! To learn how to clean out your vessel, click here.

It's important to remember that our vintage vessels have not been heat tested since they are vintage and unique (although we select vessels that have thick walls and no cracks). Please keep an eye on your vessel while it's burning and do not burn for more than 2 hours at a time.