Meet the Tampa Candle Maker Behind The Salty Dog Candle Company

Born from two things close to my heart.

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Illustration of a bright yellow sun with rays extending outward.
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and holding a glass of beer at a booth displaying candles in jars. The booth has informational signs and several shelves filled with candles labeled with scents. The woman is wearing a white T-shirt with a palm tree and text logo, and denim shorts. There is a window and a wall with a poster in the background.
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and holding a glass of beer at a booth displaying candles in jars. The booth has informational signs and several shelves filled with candles labeled with scents. The woman is wearing a white T-shirt with a palm tree and text logo, and denim shorts. There is a window and a wall with a poster in the background.
A woman with long blonde hair wearing a black sleeveless dress standing inside a clothing store near a rack with beige, gray, and black clothing. Behind her is a shelf with folded clothing, candles, and framed artwork, and a yellow-green wall with a display of decorative metallic bats in various positions.
A woman with long blonde hair wearing a black sleeveless dress standing inside a clothing store near a rack with beige, gray, and black clothing. Behind her is a shelf with folded clothing, candles, and framed artwork, and a yellow-green wall with a display of decorative metallic bats in various positions.

Here’s How It Started

A smiling woman sitting on a blanket holding a happy brindle dog wearing a bandana, surrounded by lush green tropical plants.
Stylized green palm tree graphic on a black background

I’m Katie, the Tampa candle maker behind every Salty Dog candle. I pour each one by hand in small batches here in Tampa Bay, and $2 from every candle goes to a local animal rescue.

I hope to build a brand that not only smells like home, sunshine, and the Florida coast, but also feels like compassion, community, and second chances.

-Katie

Hand poured in Tampa Bay

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$2 per candle to local rescues

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Small-batch scents

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100% plant-based soy wax

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Hand poured in Tampa Bay ✦ $2 per candle to local rescues ✦ Small-batch scents ✦ 100% plant-based soy wax ✦

Born From Two Things Close to My Heart

The Salty Dog Candle Company was born from two things close to my heart: a love for the Tampa Bay community and a passion for helping animals in need.

Falling for Tampa Bay

When I moved to Florida ten years ago, I quickly fell in love with everything that makes the Tampa Bay area special, from its beautiful waterfronts and vibrant neighborhoods to the strong sense of community that brings people together.

Sasha, and the Animals Still Waiting

Not long after moving here, I adopted my cat, Sasha, and saw firsthand the heartbreaking reality that so many animals face while waiting for a home.

It opened my eyes to the overwhelming number of animals in shelters and rescues and the incredible people working tirelessly to save them.

Fostering, and the People Behind the Rescues

I started fostering dogs, and through fostering I witnessed the dedication, compassion, and tireless work that local rescue organizations put in every single day. I also saw the challenges they face, often operating with limited resources while caring for countless animals who deserve loving homes.

Abstract illustration with layered shapes in shades of pink, orange, and yellow.
A woman crouching down and hugging her black dog, who is wearing an 'Adopt Me' vest, in front of a mail drop box labeled for incoming and outgoing mail. The woman has long reddish-brown hair and is wearing a white shirt with maroon trim and green pants.
Bright yellow sun with orange rays
Bright yellow sun with orange rays
A lit scented candle labeled 'Salted Caramel Drift' by The Salty Dog Candle Company, placed on a pile of intertwined tree branches and roots outdoors.

The Grant That Changed Everything

A turning point came when I was able to secure a grant for a local rescue. Seeing the impact made me realize that I wanted to do more. I wanted to find a way to create a lasting source of support. That’s how The Salty Dog Candle Company came to life.

Brindle dog wearing a red vest with white text, sitting on the floor, with a black leash attached.
A happy dog with a pink bandana around its neck, sitting on a surface.

More Than a Candle Business

More Than a Candle Business

The Salty Dog Candle Company is more than a candle business. It’s a way to give back, celebrate the community we call home, and help more animals find the loving families they deserve.

At The Salty Dog Candle Company, we believe every candle can help tell their story. $2 from every candle is dedicated to:

✦ Supporting local rescues

✦ Raising awareness for adoptable animals

✦ Encouraging the community to shop with purpose

Every purchase is more than a candle. It’s a small way to help create a better future for animals in need while shining a light on the people working tirelessly to save them.

Meet This Quarter’s Rescue
Meet This Quarter’s Rescue
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and holding a beer can in a store. Behind her, shelves display blue and gray hats and a gray cap, white T-shirts, blue T-shirts, and merchandise with the Barriehaus Beer Co. logo.

“I am completely in love with these candles! Finding a local maker who uses clean soy wax is a dream come true, but the quality here goes way beyond my expectations. The scent is rich, complex, and fills my entire home within minutes of lighting them—yet they never feel overpowering. Best of all, they burn so evenly and cleanly with zero black smoke. You can truly tell how much love and care goes into every single pour. The Salty Dog Candle Company is an absolute joy to support, and their customer service is top-notch. If you want to make your home feel extra cozy or need a perfect gift, look no further. Five stars and two thumbs up all around!”

— Susan R.

Shop With Purpose

Thank you for reading, and thank you for shopping small! Every candle you light helps a local rescue keep going. Own a shop, or planning a wedding or fundraiser? Wholesale and custom labels are here too, and you can already find us on the shelf at Sky Puppy Brewing. Live in The Heights? Local delivery is at checkout, and the ordering and shipping answers cover the rest.

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Abstract floral design with pink, orange, and yellow petals and a red background.
A bright yellow sun with rays extending outward.
A lit birthday cake with a paw print design on the side.
Stylized green and black palm tree icon