Our Story

                                                      

 

About Woods Creek Candles

Woods Creek is a small, winding creek that flows through my hometown of Sonora, CA—a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, rich in Gold Rush history. Sonora has been a part of my life since childhood, a place I have always found my way back to.

Woods Creek Candles was born in a little Victorian house in downtown Sonora during a challenging yet transformative time in my life. My husband was deployed to Afghanistan with the Marine Corps, and I had moved back home to be near family. I needed something to keep my mind busy, bring in extra income, and most importantly, allow me to be home with our children.

I wanted to create something I was passionate about. One day, as I looked around my home, I noticed a common theme—candles everywhere. I've always loved scents and the warmth they bring to a space, but I was often disappointed by store-bought candles that promised strong fragrances but fell short. That’s when the idea struck: why not make my own?

What started as a simple experiment quickly turned into an obsession. I researched, tested, and refined my process—countless hours dedicated to finding the perfect wax and the strongest, most true-to-life fragrances. Eventually, I created a custom blend I believe is superior, capable of holding the highest percentage of fragrance oil per pound.

When it came time to name my Candles, I wanted something deeply meaningful—something that reflected my journey, my roots, and my heart. Woods Creek was the perfect choice.

As a child, my family went through difficult times, even experiencing homelessness off and on. At one point, we lived under the bridge along Woods Creek, but to me, those were some of the best days of my childhood. My siblings and I spent our days skipping rocks, catching crawdads, picking blackberries and mint, and splashing in the creek while our parents panned for gold. We never felt poor—we felt free, happy, and full of adventure.

Years later, when my mother became gravely ill, she requested that her ashes be scattered at Woods Creek—a place filled with our most cherished memories. To this day, my family and I return often, bringing our children to play in the very same waters that helped shape who I am today.

Woods Creek Candles is not just a catchy name or a gimmick to me—it is a tribute to where I come from. Every candle and wax melt I pour is crafted with love, care, and a commitment to quality. When you light a Woods Creek Candle, you’re not just filling your home with an incredible scent; you’re experiencing a piece of my story, my passion, and my journey.

Thank you for being a part of it.

Sincerely,
Amber K. Petra
Owner & Founder, Woods Creek Candles