Lobster. The Crafting Shop | Berwyn, AB
Bree Blake is new to Northern Alberta. She made the move up this past May from Drayton Valley. Prior to starting her business, Lobster. The Crafting Shop, in 2023, she worked in emergency services.
“I was experiencing burnout from working as a medic and was going through a rough time,” said Blake. “So, much like a lobster that loses a limb, grows a new one and carries on, I crafted a new limb in my life by starting this business.”
Since relocating North, Blake has fully committed to her business. And, conveniently, her new property outside of Berwyn provides more space and a larger workshop.
“Local, safe and sustainable aren’t buzz words I use to sell more products. They’re the reasons I’m doing what I’m doing,” said Blake.
Today, Blake sells wax melts, botanical bath salts, custom engraved charcuterie boards and more, but it all started with candles.
“I was really drawn to dough bowl candles, but they were so expensive,” said Blake. “I looked into why they’re so costly, and what I found really bothered me, so I decided to create a better option.”
Blake discovered the bowls were being mass produced overseas and the wax was full of synthetic chemicals and paraffin waxes, which often results in poorly made, toxic dough bowl candles. Blake saw no reason for the candles to be so costly, so she took the plunge and began creating her own.
“My partner and I grabbed some wood we found in the bush, took it into the shop and made one,” said Blake. “Then we made another, and I started carving them deeper to get longer burn times—unlike the shallow ones you typically find for sale.”
After countless hours of researching clean burning candles and learning the art of mixing essential oils and non-toxic waxes, Blake felt she had a solid product she could offer at a price comparable to candles commonly found in stores and online.
“My candles are more affordable, sustainable and safer than the products frequently found in stores,” said Blake. “I’m proud of this because people often pay more for a product that is clean, and I don’t think it should be that way.”
Importantly, Blake’s wood bowls and glass containers are refillable, which is a standout feature. She provides generous discounts for easy refills, and customers can choose the same scent or a different one. This option makes Blake’s clean-burning candles even more cost-effective.
“Everything is done by hand. I hand carve Canadian wood, sourced right from our local mill. I pour the cement canisters myself, and I custom create and blend the essential oil and the wax for our melts and candles,” said Blake.
By making the wood and cement canisters herself, Blake has cut out the need to buy supplies from other producers. Plus, she uses simple ingredients and waxes, which Blake says results in reasonably-priced and safer products for everyone to enjoy.
“I love the different roles I get to fill in this business. I often feel very Zen mixing all the beautiful smells together and pouring candles,” said Blake. “Other times, I’m out in the wood shop operating big power tools and taking out my stress carving bowls.”
Blake loves when people purchase her products as gifts for others.
“Preparing for the holiday season can be a lot of work, but it is always worthwhile,” said Blake.
Blake’s woodshop is currently under renovation, but she’s eager to expand her offerings and resume custom woodwork—ideally just in time for the Christmas season.
Blake says one of her ongoing challenges is changing perception. Many assume her candles and scented items will make them feel unwell based on their past experiences with other candles. However, she says, once customers learn she uses natural essential oils and soy-based wax, it makes it a short conversation.
“I’ve worked really hard to create a brand that reintroduces once-loved household products in a way that people can trust and use safely,” said Blake.
Blake hopes to one day have a brick-and-mortar storefront she can stock with her relaxing and sustainable creations, so she can showcase the steps it takes to make them.
“I envision having a workshop in the store where people can watch the process through a glass window while they shop in the front,” said Blake. “That is my ultimate dream, but for now we are focused on improving our efficiency without compromising on quality.”
Starting a home goods business was never in Blake’s plans, but after her sales took off, she embraced it wholeheartedly. Despite limited experience, she’s thrilled with the outcome and encourages others to follow their creative passions.
“If you feel passionate about what you’re doing and believe you have an amazing product to offer, then you just have to jump in!” said Blake.
If you would like to have a cozy dough bowl candle burning in your home this winter or are interested in any of the other products offered by Lobster. The Crafting Shop, message Blake on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find her at many of the local farmers’ markets and at the Grimshaw Christmas Market on November 16.
Words by Kelly Pippin | Photography Submitted
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