Our Story
Welcome to Canyon Scents
"The World's Finest Candle" — Made with Love in Queen Creek, Arizona
Hi! I'm Karen Badousek — but most folks around here just call me "The Candle Lady." 🕯️
I've been passionate about candles since 1999, when I started selling Gold Canyon Candles. Over the next 20 years, I built something special — a community of customers who became friends, all centered around my little candle cottage here in Queen Creek. People loved stopping by to shop, chat, and find their favorite scents.
When Gold Canyon closed unexpectedly in 2020, I was heartbroken. For a year, I searched everywhere for something that matched their quality. Nothing came close. Finally, I reached out to Curt and Karen Waisath — the original Gold Canyon founders — to see if they'd restart the business.
"We're not going to do it," Karen Waisath told me. "But YOU should. You have a loyal customer base. Carry the torch."
With their blessing and guidance, my husband Rick and I launched Canyon Scents in Fall 2021. Rick looked at me and said, "Let's do it. Candles are what you get up in the morning for." He was right.
Now in our fourth year, we're proudly carrying forward the legacy — crafting candles that are probably the closest thing you'll find to the original Gold Canyon that started over 25 years ago.
What Makes Our Candles Different
100% USA-Made
Wax, wicks, fragrance oils, glass jars, labels — everything is made right here in America.
Monster Scent Throw
Premium fragrances that fill the whole room — not just the corner where the candle sits.
Clean, Even Burn
Twin cotton wicks create a full melt pool. No tunneling, no soot, no wasted wax.
Long-Lasting
75-80+ hours of burn time per 16oz jar. They burn slow and even — customers say they last forever.
Safe for Your Home
Phthalate-free and cruelty-free. Plus wickless options for homes with pets, kids, or no-flame zones.
Small-Batch Tested
Every scent is carefully tested before launch. We spare no expense on quality.
Our Promise to You
- Family-Run Business
- 60+ Signature Scents
- Premium Soy & Paraffin Blend
- Cruelty-Free
- Phthalate-Free
- Recyclable Glass Jars
More Than Just Candles
My favorite part of this business? It's a relationship business. I've made so many wonderful friends over the years — and that's what keeps me going.
Canyon Scents is about more than great fragrances. We support home-based sellers through our consultant program (earn up to 40% commission!), and we partner with schools and organizations for fundraisers. When you shop with us, you're supporting a small Arizona family business and the community around it.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you're a longtime customer from the Gold Canyon days or discovering us for the first time — welcome. We're so glad you found us.
We hope you love our candles as much as we love making them for you.
— Karen & Rick