Truckee Candle Maker Earns State Assembly Honor
Our Rustic Heart Candle Co. received the North State Small Business Award from the California State Assembly on October 30.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Local Services
The California State Assembly recognized Our Rustic Heart Candle Co., a Truckee-based mother-and-son business, with the North State Small Business Award. Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick selected the company for the honor.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a locally owned business that grew from a home-based venture into a Truckee storefront offering handcrafted and eco-friendly products. It reflects how small businesses in the North State can gain statewide attention.
The business was founded in 2016 and West left her full-time job in June 2019 to make candles full-time. The Truckee storefront has been open for just under three years, and the extraction does not provide sales or employment figures.
The players
Heather Hadwick
Heather Hadwick is a California State Assemblywoman who selected the business for the North State Small Business Award.
Chris West
Chris West is the founder of Our Rustic Heart Candle Co. who left full-time work in 2019 to focus on candle making.
Our Rustic Heart Candle Co.
Our Rustic Heart Candle Co. is a Truckee-based mother-and-son business that produces handcrafted candles and related home and body products.
The details
Chris West runs Our Rustic Heart Candle Co. with her son, Noah, creating handcrafted candles, bath and body products, skin care, and home goods. The company now offers eco-friendly cleaning products, organic bath and body products, custom candle-making classes, and refill services.
Timeline
2016: Business began after West rethought her home products.
June 2019: West left her full-time job to make candles full-time.
October 30: California State Assembly recognized the company.
Local Services Landscape
The North State Small Business Award is one of the state legislative honors that spotlights community-rooted enterprises in the Sierra region. Recognition of this kind places a Truckee candle maker alongside other locally owned businesses that serve residents directly.
Residents who want handcrafted candles, refill services, or custom candle-making classes can visit the Truckee storefront. The business also offers eco-friendly cleaning and organic bath and body products for everyday household needs.
The takeaway
Supporting locally owned shops like this one can keep specialty goods and custom services close to home. Residents interested in eco-friendly or handmade products can check out a storefront in Truckee or ask about refill options.
Further reading
Explore more local services in Truckee to see other businesses serving the community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sierra Sun.
