Cheers to the wick-end: St. George native offers all-natural candles with no-waste packaging

Written by Jessi Bang
February 3, 2023

ST. GEORGE —Driven by a reaction to toxic fragrances and a no-waste mission, one woman is now lighting up Washington County with her all-natural candles. 

Candles by Moonstruck Naturals sit on a shelf inside Valerie Keltner's candle making shop in St. George, Utah, Jan. 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Candles by Moonstruck Naturals sit on a shelf inside Valerie Keltner’s candle-making shop in St. George, Utah, Jan. 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

 “A lot of candles at the store claim to be ‘clean burning,’ but you really have no idea what’s in them,” Valerie Keltner, owner of Moonstruck Naturals, told St. George News. “So many people are sensitive to fragrances, which is why they get headaches and allergic reactions.”

As someone who has suffered from severe allergic reactions to fragrances found in common household items, Keltner said that simply touching something with fragrance led to rashes all over her body.  So she began doing her own research, which included diving into the toxicity of most store-bought candles.

As she learned that chemicals found in fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, along with carcinogens such as benzophenone and styrene, she realized allergies weren’t the only thing to be concerned about. Long-term health effects can also result, including fertility problems.

Upon making her own candles, she replaced traditional fragrances with organic compounds and essential oils. 

Valerie Keltner, owner of Moonstruck Naturals, takes a photo next to her homemade, non toxic candles, St. George, Utah, Jan. 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Valerie Keltner, the owner of Moonstruck Naturals, takes a photo next to her homemade, nontoxic candles, St. George, Utah, Jan. 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“Nothing is made synthetic or in a lab-made setting,” Keltner said about her candles. “I use coconut wax and soy wax, so it’s just super clean and high quality compared to what you’d get in a regular store, where you have no idea what’s in them.”

What originally started as a candlemaking hobby quickly grew in popularity, leading to a successful online business. She took Moonstruck Naturals to the next level in 2020 by attending her first local market — one that was far more successful than she had anticipated.

Shortly after, she decided to take time away from the candle business to have a baby. A few months ago, she started the business back up is ready to go all in.

Candles by Moonstruck Naturals currently come in five scents:

  • “Dreamy” is a sultry aroma of roses and wildflowers with subtle musk notes from sandalwood, vetiver and Roman chamomile.
  • “Afternoon Tea” brings the familiar scent of a Sunday brunch, filled with sweet sugar pastries and a nice hot cup of herbal tea.
  • “Coastal Bliss” is a fruity coconut and pineapple scent with a touch of mandarin and tangerine.
  • “Bloom” creates an experience of wandering through a garden of blooming fruit trees, herbs and flowers, with a touch of woodsy Eucalyptus.
  • And the newest scent, “Woodlands,” is a musk-scented candle with top notes of cedarwood and middles notes of Cananga, grapefruit and Bergamont.
Beeswax taper candles by Moonstruck Naturals hang inside the shop in St. George, Utah, Jan. 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Beeswax taper candles by Moonstruck Naturals hang inside the shop in St. George, Utah, Jan. 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Along with her signature candles, she’s also enjoyed making beeswax taper candles. The tapers are made from large wicks dipped individually in a pot of beeswax, which she’s sourcing from a local beekeeper.

Not only does Keltner have a passion for natural products, but she also has an eco-friendly focus. After going on a zero-waste journey, she chose not to use plastic or other harmful substances in her product packaging. Instead, she uses recycled glass along with vegan, compostable labels. She also has given back to local nonprofit animal rescues such as RSQ.

With a candle-making shop in her home basement, Keltner said she finds the process peaceful and a way to decompress. Being a business owner has given her the freedom to work while being a mom, and the opportunity to get to know other local artisans has been priceless.

“I’ve met a lot of really great people in the community that I wouldn’t have met had I not started this,” Keltner said about Moonstruck Naturals. “It’s the perfect-sized community here because everything is growing. It’s just been really cool.”

As for future plans, she hopes to get her products inside local shops and expand her natural products to a home and skincare line. Find Moonstruck Naturals online or follow @moonstrucknaturals on Instagram. Or visit the shop in person at the upcoming St. George Market on March 11. 

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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