Held in Light — The Story of My Shop
The Story Behind Held in Light
Hi, I’m Maryna, the founder and maker behind Held in Light.
For more than 14 years, I worked in sales and business development, always loving the process of building something from the ground up. But after leaving Eastern Europe and starting a new chapter with my family in the United States, I had the opportunity to create something that felt truly my own.
That’s how Held in Light began.
I have always loved the little details that make a home feel warm and special — the scent of oranges and cinnamon in winter, dried flowers and herbs, natural wood, autumn colors, and the quiet comfort of a rainy day. Living in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by forests, mountains, rain, and changing seasons, became a wonderful source of inspiration for my collections.
I wanted to create more than ordinary candles. I wanted each one to capture a feeling, a season, or a memory.
Every Held in Light candle begins as an idea at my worktable. I create the designs, choose the fragrances and natural details, and make each candle by hand. We even dry many of our own oranges and lemons and prepare botanicals that become part of the finished designs.
Held in Light is also a family story. My husband, Ihor, is always there behind the scenes — helping me gather flowers and herbs, prepare orders, pack boxes, and send your candles on their way to homes and small shops across the country.
What started at one small worktable has grown into a brand whose candles can now be found in homes and independent stores across the United States. But the heart of Held in Light remains the same: creating something beautiful by hand and sharing a little warmth from our home to yours.
Thank you for supporting our small family business and for allowing something we create with our hands to become a part of your home.
— Maryna
Founder & Maker, Held in Light
