About F&C Candles
Hi! I'm Marissa.
Meet the Maker
I grew up in Sonoma County, but call Sacramento home with my husband Joey and our cats, Fish & Chip (thus, F&C). Aside from F&C Candles, I'm passionate about public health and work full time as a professional health educator. You'll find me with friends or lifting weights in my free time.
Origins of my business
how I got started
After competing my Master of Public Health at UC Davis I got my first career job at a non-profit agency and needed to supplement my income to afford living in Sacramento. During grad school I had made family and friends my first ever batch of candles in repurposed wine bottles. Everyone loved them - so I leaned into my crafty side and perfected my bottle cutting and candle making techniques while I learned all there was to know about launching a business. And so, Fish & Chip Craft Co. was born in 2018.
Evolution of my business
where I am today
In 2019 I began selling at local markets in Sacramento, launched my first website in 2020 with my sister's support to navigate the pandemic, and debuted new candle vessels, logos and color scheme in 2021. And now, in 2025 I've made the leap to rebrand from Fish & Chip Craft Co. to F&C Candles. Still honoring the origins of being named after our cats Fish & Chip, this change is a commitment to myself to continue my business on for years to come and establish an important identity and path forward.
Donations to Support Cats
I continue to donate to two non-profit agencies that support the care, fostering, and adoption of kittens. These agencies are at my undergraduate and graduate alma maters. They not only give students incredible hands-on experiences, they save countless kitties that become lifelong companions in our communities. $1 from every 9.5oz Repurposed Bottle Candle sold is donated. Remember, when it comes to pets - adopt, don't shop!
Fish (right) and Chip (left) - where the F&C name comes from!
Cal Poly Cat Program
My husband and I are proud Cal Poly San Luis Obispo alumni! I graduated with my BS in Kinesiology in 2017. The Cal Poly Cat Program is an entirely student run non-profit agency.
UC Davis Orphan Kitten Project
I graduated from UC Davis with my Master of Public Health in 2018. The week I moved to Davis I adopted Fish from the Yolo SPCA and learned she was rescued and cared for by the Orphan Kitten Project. We later adopted Chip from the same student run non-profit program!
Values
Warmth should extend beyond the glow of a candle
Though I don't have a storefront of my own, as the sole person behind F&C Candles this business is an extension of myself, and my values. No matter where you come from, what you look like, who you love, or how you identify - I hope wherever I meet you, or my candles find you, you're met with the warmth of kindness, respect, and belonging.
I received a 2023 Sustainable Business Award and continue to maintain sustainable business practices. Learn more below!