Today we’d like to introduce you to Mint Pattanan Ketthin
Hi Mint Pattanan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Eight years ago, I founded Rootastes, an office lunch delivery company in Boston, Massachusetts, with the goal of nourishing busy tech professionals with fresh, sustainable meals. We partnered with local farms whenever possible, bringing the best seasonal produce to the table while supporting the community. That experience taught me so much—not just about running a business but also about the power of thoughtful, intentional products to create connection and joy in people’s everyday lives.
Over the years, I realized that this idea of intentionality could go beyond food. Growing up in Thailand and traveling across Asia, I was surrounded by scents that brought comfort and nostalgia—like the zesty brightness of yuzu or the earthy warmth of hinoki wood. Those scents weren’t just pleasant; they told a story and carried a sense of place and culture. When I moved to the U.S., I noticed that these kinds of fragrances were missing in the home fragrance market, and I saw an opportunity to create something truly unique.
In 2024, I launched Kandlery to fill that gap. The vision behind Kandlery is simple: to create home fragrances that feel safe, meaningful, and kind to the planet. Our candles are made with natural coconut apricot wax, phthalate-free oils, and eco-friendly packaging, ensuring they’re safe to enjoy without worrying about harmful chemicals. Every scent is carefully crafted to reflect Asian-inspired and seasonal notes, designed to bring a sense of connection and calm to your space. From the clean burn of our candles to the cultural richness of our fragrances, we want every product to feel like a small act of care that aligns with your values.
In July 2024, I moved to Austin, Texas, to grow Kandlery in a city that’s as vibrant and creative as the brand itself. For me, Kandlery isn’t just about candles; it’s about creating moments of calm and beauty, helping people connect with their homes and themselves in an intentional, meaningful way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every twist and turn has shaped Kandlery into what it is today. The journey started humbly in November 2023, experimenting with candle-making in my Boston kitchen. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a passion project, and by March 2024, Kandlery officially launched. It was an exciting time, connecting with other makers and partners from Boston to New York, but it was also overwhelming figuring out how to turn an idea into a full-fledged business.
The biggest challenge came in July 2024 when I made the leap to relocate to Austin, Texas. Starting fresh in a new city was intimidating, but it opened up incredible opportunities. I had to navigate unfamiliar markets, build a new network, and figure out how to grow Kandlery in a way that felt sustainable. There were a lot of late nights, moments of doubt, and plenty of trial and error along the way.
But with each challenge came growth. In July, we landed our very first wholesale account in New York City, and by the end of the year, Kandlery’s home fragrances were in over 80 retailers nationwide. Along the way, I’ve been lucky to meet mentors, wholesale experts, market organizers, and fellow makers in Austin who have shared their wisdom and helped me find my footing.
This journey has been a mix of highs and lows—moments of frustration followed by moments of celebration. Building Kandlery has taught me that the road to creating something meaningful is rarely smooth, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and connect. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the struggles because they’ve made the victories that much sweeter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kandlery?
Kandlery is a home fragrance brand dedicated to creating clean, intentional, and culturally inspired products that bring comfort and calm into everyday life. Our specialty is crafting candles, room sprays, and wax melts that are safe to enjoy, thoughtfully designed, and aligned with modern values. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, sustainability, and storytelling through scent.
Each fragrance in our collection is inspired by untapped Asian and seasonal notes, evoking memories of serene moments and meaningful experiences. Growing up in Thailand and traveling across Asia, I was surrounded by aromas that brought connection and nostalgia—like the zesty brightness of yuzu or the earthy warmth of hinoki wood. Kandlery brings those moments to life for anyone looking to create a soothing, welcoming space.
We use only the high-quality materials: natural coconut apricot wax, phthalate-free oils, and eco-friendly wood wicks sourced from FSC-certified forests. Our packaging is 100% recyclable, and every product is clean-burning, vegan, and cruelty-free, ensuring they’re safe for both people and the planet.
What I’m most proud of is how quickly Kandlery has grown while staying true to its values. Since launching in 2024, we’ve expanded to over 80 retailers nationwide and continue to build a community of people who love our thoughtfully crafted scents. It’s amazing to see how something that started in my home kitchen has resonated with so many.
Kandlery is more than just home fragrance—it’s about creating a space that feels calm, safe, and connected to your values and culture. Our products are designed for those who want something unique, whether you’re sensitive to strong fragrances or simply looking for scents that bring comfort and meaning to your home. Every candle, room spray, and wax melt is thoughtfully crafted to be safe for you and kind to the planet. At its heart, Kandlery is about helping you find small moments of serenity in the middle of life’s chaos.
www.kandlery.com
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was curious and creative, always exploring new ways to express myself. I loved art and crafts—anything that allowed me to create something with my hands. Whether it was designing or trying DIY projects, I was happiest when I was making something from scratch.
I also had a strong connection to my cultural roots and the world around me. Growing up in Thailand, I was surrounded by vibrant flavors, colors, and scents, which deeply influenced my sense of creativity and appreciation for the little details that make something special. I’ve always been drawn to things that bring comfort and joy, whether it was through sharing food, creating something beautiful, or simply making people feel at ease.
At the same time, I was independent and a bit of a dreamer. I loved imagining what I could create or achieve, even if it seemed ambitious. Looking back, that mix of curiosity, creativity and a deep connection to my surroundings shaped the person I am today and led me to create Kandlery as a reflection of those values.
Pricing:
- Scented Candles from $30 – $35
- Natural Room & Linen Sprays $25
- Car & Closet Diffuser $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kandlery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getkandlery
Image Credits
Image credits to Kandlery
