Why "Simple Retreat"?
As a child, I was full of energy.
Then I started working ... then I became a parent.
Suddenly, energy felt like a precious currency - one I never seemed to have enough of.
If you're a parent, you might know exactly what I mean. Our children -whom we deeply love - pull at our hearts and ask of us everything we’ve got.
Pre-kids, I gave everything to my work and church. Post-kids, I gave everything I had to my children. Either way, both were at the cost of my own well-being.
Eight years ago, I first started Simple Retreat to restore some balance to a complex role managing an allied health paediatric team, but it was parenting that really cemented the concept of Simple Retreat.
The heart of Simple Retreat is this: when we feel rested, we show up as brighter, better versions of ourselves - for our families, our work and everything else in between.
So, when your Simple Retreat parcel arrives - when you hold the box in your hands and light the candle - I hope you’re met with a sense of calm.
Even if just for a moment, may you feel a little more rested, and go on with your day feeling lighter, stronger, and more at ease.
travelling back in time
The journey
It all began years years ago—from hand-pouring candles on my kitchen stovetop to now working with international partners, Simple Retreat has grown in ways I never could have imagined.
The journey has had many stages—our first candles were wrapped in clear cellophane, followed by jars with paper labels printed from Officeworks. Then came digital images, and eventually, my own hand-drawn designs. Each version was a step in learning, refining, and growing.
While every candle is still hand-poured right here in Ballarat (by me!), I’ve always longed for something more unique—something that truly stood out in the sea of candles using the same jars and styles.
So, in 2020, I partnered with an international manufacturer to design a custom ceramic jar that brings both simplicity and elegance to your space. It’s something special to gift—or simply to enjoy yourself.
But I didn’t stop there. I wanted the outer packaging to feel joyful and vibrant—to contrast the clean, minimalist jar. After all, beautiful packaging brings its own kind of happy!
My dream has always been to match fragrances with places that evoke rest and renewal. Over many months, I collaborated with my talented friend Meryl McPherson, who translated my visions and concepts into the detailed, thoughtful designs you now see on my gift boxes. Yes—even the little décor touches on the Lavender and White Tea candle!
My hope is that when you look at the box, you’ll imagine yourself in that peaceful place—that the artwork offers a gentle escape, even just for a minute. And just maybe... it’ll inspire your next getaway.
I hope you and your loved ones find as much joy in these candles and gift boxes as I have in creating them.
Thank you for being part of this journey—and happy shopping, friends.
Tanya x