about simple nature

Meet the Maker

Hi, I’m Derek — the founder of Simple Nature.

What began in 2018 as a hobby making natural soaps and cleaners quickly evolved into something more. Once I started blending scents for candles, I knew I had found my true focus.

Before launching Simple Nature, I worked in:

Marketing and graphic design
Nonprofit organizations

But over time, I felt stuck. So I made a big decision:

Work less (still working on that part)
Spend more time with loved ones
Travel the world

Those travels — to places like Paris and Perth — helped me reset and rediscover what mattered.

From Hobby to Business

When I returned home, I picked up new hobbies every few months. One of them was soap-making — which led to a table at the local farmers market and a deep love for connecting with people.

But it was candle-making that truly clicked.

What started as curiosity became a full-time job, thanks to support from people like you.

More Than Candles

Outside the studio, I:

Volunteer for various organizations
Logged over 700 hours of service in 2022
Believe giving back is just as important as creating beautiful, meaningful products

(And yes, I may occasionally joke about Ohio — but it’s all in good fun.)

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 2022

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.

october 2023

Became employee of the month.

november 2023

Got a warehouse!

august 2024

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

With over 19,000 items donated every single student was able to receive a backpack filled with school and personal hygiene products.

October 2024

Because of your support, Simple Nature was able to provide one pallet of water and volunteer time to help in recover efforts after severe flooding impacted Asheville, North Carolina.