Hello, and welcome to Pharos Candle Company.

My name is Shelly Bates Achong, and I am the founder, maker, and creative force behind Pharos.

Long before Pharos Candle Company was established, I spent years creating candles and home décor products as a creative outlet. What began in the mid-1990s as a hobby quickly became a passion for craftsmanship, fragrance, and creating products that help transform ordinary spaces into something memorable.

Professionally, I built a career in the airline industry, where I continue to work full-time for one of the nation's major airline carriers. Throughout the years, I have balanced my professional career with my entrepreneurial ambitions, always believing that one day I would build a business that reflected the things I loved most.

Education has also played an important role in my journey. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Meetings and Destination Management and later completed a Master of Business Administration. Those experiences helped shape my understanding of business, leadership, customer experience, and the long-term vision required to build a brand that could stand the test of time.

Outside of work, I have always been drawn to creativity, history, and storytelling. Ancient Egypt, Greek history, mythology, architecture, and lighthouses have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I have always been inspired by the way stories survive across generations and continue to spark curiosity thousands of years later.

I've also had a lifelong appreciation for fragrance. Certain scents can instantly transport us to another place, evoke treasured memories, or create a sense of comfort and peace. That connection between scent and emotion is one of the things that first drew me to candle making and continues to inspire me today.

Over the years, my interests naturally merged. My love of fragrance, design, history, and storytelling became the foundation for the products I create. Rather than simply making candles, I wanted to create experiences—fragrances that tell stories, inspire imagination, and help transform everyday moments into meaningful rituals.

Today, I remain involved in every aspect of the business. From fragrance selection and product development to pouring candles, preparing inventory, designing collections, participating in vendor markets, and connecting with customers, every product reflects a hands-on commitment to quality and creativity.

What motivates me most is the opportunity to build something lasting. My goal is not simply to create candles and home fragrance products, but to build a brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and purpose. I hope Pharos continues to grow into a legacy that can be shared with future generations while inspiring others through the power of scent.

Thank you for visiting, supporting a small business, and taking the time to learn a little about the person behind the brand.

I am grateful for every customer, every order, and every opportunity to share the world of Pharos with others.

Illuminate Your World.

— Shelly Bates Achong
Founder, Pharos Candle Company