Our Story
About us
40/80 Home takes its name from part of the land that shaped my childhood: two separate plots of farmland—one 40 acres, the other 80 acres—worked by our family for generations. Those fields weren't just a place to grow crops—they were where we learned the value of hard work, patience, doing things right.
Growing up on that land meant waking up to the smell of clean fresh air, watching the seasons change the landscape, and understanding that quality takes time. It meant knowing your neighbors, respecting the earth, and building things that last.
From the farm to your home
I transitioned from farm/small town life to pursue career opportunities, but I still remember the work ethic and principles I gained while growing up working on the farm. After meeting my now wife and moving around the country to support her career, I was always searching out out unique makers who could provide the scents that bring me back to my roots. Eventually, I started getting interested in the process, the science of making a candle and other smelly good things.
So, at some point in 2020, I started reading, studying, and buying a few supplies. What started as a just a fun project of making candles for myself, friends, and family has now turned into 40/80 Home: a dedicated small business focused on handcrafted home fragrances that respect and honor the values instilled in me on the farm.
Small batches. Countryside Inspired.
Small batch is just a fancy way of saying it’s only me making, pouring, blending, testing, etc. This is where that work ethic comes in handy. I hand-pour clean-burning soy candles, usually just 1-3 at a time. At that point, it’s a 2-week cure time before I can know for sure that I have a candle that’s safe for your home, and will fill it with smelly goodness. Slow, meticulous, proper. Just the way I learned to do things growing up in small town Iowa.
All scents are inspired by something from my younger years. Whether it’s a seasonal scent that reminds me of home, or a particular smell that takes me to a very specific point in time, or both. Think Grandma’s kitchen, harvest, family gatherings, & hot summer days. Seasonal scents is where I shine, but don’t sleep on some of my more fine fragrance options. I have some that are meant traditionally for men, and others for women.
Sourced for clean burns
I source 100% organic soy & coconut soy wax from American Soy Organics who is based in Iowa. Phthalate free and paraben free oils are sourced from other small businesses such as Black Tie Barn, Natural Sate Fragrance, Midwest Fragrance Company, CandleScience, and Hive & Honey. I also acquire my bases for products such as sprays, soaps, cleaners from the same suppliers. And for my bottles or other material not carried by any of them, I select American companies with products made in the USA whenever and whereever posssible.