At the heart of every business and creative effort is a story waiting to be shared. With Set Forth NY, a candle brand crafted by Westchester resident Karen Arcilla, the tale is one of healing and hope. Here, Arcilla reveals how candles serve as a powerful reminder to take the next step forward to navigate all moments of transformation and change.
Ready, Set Forth
Set Forth NY is an online candle company and brand launched in March 2024 featuring hand-poured candles made with high-quality ingredients and luxurious fragrance oils. Arcilla started Set Forth to cope with a personal loss and honor her mother’s memory. After receiving a candle from a friend, Arcilla realized it could do more than light up a room — it could symbolize hope, healing, and strength during life’s most difficult moments.
In a from-the-ground-up effort, Arcilla and her partner and co-founder Renata Rads started Set Forth in her Dobbs Ferry apartment. Their approach is custom and curated to ensure that each candle shines.
“Some of our scents are custom-blended by me and my partner Renata, layering different fragrance oils until they match the feeling we want them to hold,” Arcilla says, adding that the process of crafting the candles has helped with her own healing process. “It started with my own grief, but every time I share that part of myself, it invites someone else to feel seen in their own messy moments, too. I love connecting by sharing my story and hearing theirs — it makes the work feel like more than just candles; it feels like building something with real impact.”
The Story Behind the Brand
Arcilla came up with the name “Set Forth” while processing her grief after her mother’s passing. She wanted the brand name to reflect a small act of moving forward. Arcilla designed and created the brand label herself. She chose calm and grounding colors as they feel honest, timeless, and steady.
“When people see my brand, I want them to feel a soft sense of permission to pause, breathe, and trust their own next step,” she notes.
When examining the brand logo, you can see the letters “S” and “F” along with the shape of the candle in the design. This is to remind people that “even the smallest flame can guide you forward,” Arcilla observes.
Behind the Scenes
Using a premium soy blend wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils that follow strict IFRA and RIFM safety standards sourced from trusted suppliers, Arcilla hand-pours each candle. She also prints and cuts each label carefully.
“Even our thank-you card is intentional — it’s printed at home, the note is handwritten, and the card itself is made of seeded paper, so customers can plant it instead of throwing it away,” Arcilla adds.
All candles are cruelty and paraben-free, as well as vegan-friendly. For anyone with allergies and scent sensitivities, she recommends burning candles in a well-ventilated space.
“Many people with fragrance sensitivities have told us they can enjoy our candles without feeling overwhelmed,” Arcilla shares. Set Forth also has detailed instructions for Candle Care and Pet Safety.
The Creative Process
From tropical and citrus to warm cedarwood, Set Forth NY candles feature a range of thoughtfully crafted scent profiles. The classic collection includes candles like “Seaside Passion” and “Lustrous Tides,” reflecting the simplicity of coastal charm.
When brainstorming candles names, Arcilla notes that she is extremely thoughtful when selecting a candle name.
“I want each name to stand out, but still feel real and connected to the actual scent,” Arcilla says. “Sometimes I’ll sit with words and phrases for days, making sure the name feels like its own little story, not just a label.”
Although Set Forth NY only sells candles at this time, Arcilla hopes to grow the line in the future. She adds that staying true to the brand is what helps her overcome the challenge of a saturated candle market.
“Staying true to my story, my purpose, and my level of quality means saying no to trends or shortcuts,” Arcilla says.
What’s in Store for Set Forth NY
Arcilla candidly shares that she would love to have a physical space for Set Forth NY one day. She would like to open a small shop that feels like a sanctuary.
“It would be a space where people would come in, slow down, light a candle, and feel seen,” Arcilla adds. She is currently focused on growing the brand slowly and intentionally.
Follow Set Forth NY on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the brand’s latest updates and product launches. Shop all of Set Forth NY’s premium handcrafted candles here.
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