about simple nature

Hi there, I'm Derek, the founder of Simple Nature. In May 2018, I started crafting simple and natural soap and household cleaners. As candles were introduced, they quickly became the sole focus of Simple Nature.

Before I started this business, I worked in marketing and graphic design for non-profit organizations. However, I found myself feeling stuck and hopeless in my previous job. I decided to cut back on work, spend more time with my loved ones, and travel the world.

My travels were life-changing, taking me to cities like Paris and Perth. When I returned home, I started trying out new hobbies every few months. One month, I made soap and ended up with a lot of it. I decided to sell it at the Farmers Market, where I loved connecting with people.

Although soap-making was enjoyable, mixing scents for candles was far more fascinating. Thankfully, people loved my candles, and I was fortunate enough to turn my hobby into a full-time job.

I am extremely grateful for the support I receive from customers who purchase my candles. Your support means the world to me, and I cannot thank you enough.

Apart from making candles and insulting Ohio (just kidding), I enjoy volunteering for various organizations. In 2022, I volunteered with multiple organizations and served over 700 hours. Helping others is just as important to me as creating candles for you.

january 2018

simple nature idea started! for a really short amount of time it was called simple soaps. i annoyed my coworkers at the time forcing them to try my soap.

may 2018

that’s me at my very first farmers market as simple nature! i was cheap (still am?) and didn’t want a tent. who knew, the sun and candles don’t mix well.

2018’s Long list of short lived products, before candles clicked.

check out all these failed products from the first two years. whew. but hey, without those lessons there wouldn’t be any candles to enjoy today.

november 2018

took the plunge and made simple nature my full time job. that’s a thumbs up from a dude who is worried. not many thought it was a good idea.

june 2019

a wonderful individual took a photo of my ohio candle and posted it on twitter for her 300 followers. everything changed that day for simple nature. also if you’re ever wanting to purchase candles on sale june 5th, every year there is a sale to celebrate.

august 2023

Adopted a 2 mile section of the Pufferbelly Trail in Fort Wayne.

february 2023

Thanks to your tremendous support, after a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio contaminated drinking water, Simple Nature was able to collect 135 cases of water to help support the community as they worked to recover.

june 2023

Because of your support, Simple Nature and other local businesses were able to come together and supply Bloomingdale Elementary School with the tools and supplies they need to thrive.

With over 22,000 items donated every single student was able to receive a backpack filled with school and personal hygiene products.