Today we’d like to introduce you to Cally Finch.
Hi Cally, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to nature, growing up in Ocean Beach surrounded by the scent of native plants, salty air, and the sweet blossoms of coastal gardens. With my parents being herbalists and my mom’s love for aromatherapy, our home was always filled with an array of natural fragrances, each with its own unique properties. From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of scent—how it could influence mood, evoke memories, and create a sense of place. I loved making candles with my dad and sold them at little pop-up stands, but I never imagined that years later, I’d turn that childhood passion into a business.
Photography was my first creative career, teaching me about storytelling, branding, and capturing moments. But I always felt drawn to creating something more tangible – something that would incorporate my long-term passions. A few people close to me suggested I start a candle company, something I had always talked about, so I started posting on social media and received positive feedback from the community, with local pages sharing my photography and getting some orders through the website.
Since launching in late 2024, we’ve expanded to local farmers’ markets and sell locally in Vignette’s. It has been really nice to connect with people in person and see their energy shift as they smell something relaxing, uplifting, or reminiscent of beach days – that has been one of the most rewarding parts. Even more meaningful, though, is the ability to give back—donating a portion of our proceeds to local marine conservation efforts.
I’m still growing and figuring out the business side of things, but my goal is to build a brand that not only delivers beautiful, hand-poured candles but also brings a little piece of coastal luxury into every space—capturing the relaxation of California beach days through scent and fostering a deep connection to nature, warmth, and home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting Sunset Cliffs Candle Co. has been an exciting journey, but like any small business, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road. There’s so much more that goes into building a brand than just making a great product—figuring out sourcing, pricing, marketing, and scaling has been a huge learning curve.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the business side of things. I love designing scents and crafting candles, but running a business also means handling logistics, accounting, and all the behind-the-scenes work that isn’t streamlined in the beginning. Another struggle was finding the right suppliers for high-quality, eco-friendly ingredients while keeping costs manageable. I knew I wanted to create a luxury product that felt intentional and sustainable, but that meant investing more upfront, which can be daunting as a small business owner.
There have also been moments of doubt—wondering if people would connect with my vision, if I was making the right decisions, or if I was growing at the right pace. But every time I see someone light up when they find a scent that speaks to them, or when I receive messages from customers telling me how much they love their candles, it reminds me why I started.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Every struggle has pushed me to grow and develop both my business and myself. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build something and experience people embrace and support what I’ve created.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sunset Cliffs Candle Co.?
Sunset Cliffs Candle Co. is a luxury candle brand inspired by the beauty and serenity of the California coast. Each candle is hand-poured in small batches using eco-friendly soy wax and clean, coastal-inspired fragrances designed to bring a sense of relaxation and nostalgia into any space. What sets us apart is our intentional storytelling—every scent is crafted to evoke real coastal experiences, from salty coastal gardens to cozy bonfire nights. Sustainability is also a priority, with reusable vessels and a portion of proceeds supporting local marine conservation.
The most rewarding part of running Sunset Cliffs Candle Co. is the deep connection our customers feel with our scents—whether it’s bringing back childhood beach memories or creating a peaceful retreat at home. We currently offer 10 oz candles, with larger 3-wick and travel-sized options coming soon. You can find us online at www.sunsetcliffscandle.com and at San Diego farmers’ markets, where we love sharing our passion in person.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is boogie boarding in front of Tower 2 with my parents and brothers. We’d be in the water all day, only to get out for the Dempsey’s walk up window to fuel up with hot, salty french fries and sweet, syrupy shaved ice.The crunch of the fries, the ice melting faster than we could eat it, and the feeling of pure, carefree joy. Those days were simple but unforgettable, and they’re a big part of why the beach still feels like home to me.
Pricing:
- $24 for a 10 oz. scented soy candle
- $32 for a 17 oz. scented soy candle
- $18 for bottle of room spray
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunsetcliffscandle.com
- Instagram: @sunsetcliffscandleco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetcliffscandleco
Image Credits
All images done by photographer Alec Acierto
