Meet Lori

I'm Lori, the founder of The Good Llama Co., established in 2019. What began as a lifelong love of candles has grown into a small business where I get to combine my fascination with nature, fragrances, crystals, and people.

My love of candlelight started early. While other little girls were dressing their Barbie dolls, I was busy mashing Wonder Bread into communion wafers, pouring grape juice into a pewter goblet, and lighting candles to play church. My only parishioner was my little sister, who attended reluctantly but seemed happy enough with the refreshments. I also enjoyed concocting mysterious food potions, which I confidently administered to her, promising they would grant her greatest wishes. She survived.

I was equally fascinated by the flickering candles at our dinner table, often dipping my fingers into the warm wax while the adults talked. When I received a candle-making kit for my 10th birthday, I was hooked.

I've always been curious about people, too. As a child, I had a bit of a staring problem. I'd become so fascinated by strangers that my mother frequently had to drag me away by the hand, scolding me for being rude. I prefer to think I was simply honing my people-watching skills. That curiosity eventually led me to study psychology at Boston College, followed by careers in teaching and as a middle school librarian. These days, I put those finely tuned observation skills to work helping customers discover their perfect candle.

I've also been drawn to the spiritual side of life for as long as I can remember. I've been reading tarot cards since I was 12, and my appreciation for crystals and the natural world eventually found its way into my candle-making.

When I'm not pouring candles or searching for new fragrances, you'll find me traveling, skiing, cooking, reading, talking on the phone, or organizing just about anything I can get my hands on.

I love creating custom candles, experimenting with new scents, and watching The Good Llama continue to evolve. But my favorite part of this business is connecting with the people who enjoy what I make.

I'm so glad you're here!

Lori

The Good Llama Co. was founded in 2019 with a simple belief: sometimes the smallest things bring us the greatest pleasure.  There's something timeless about the flicker of a candle in a dimly lit room. It connects us to a simpler time, when our ancestors relied on fire for warmth, light, and everyday living. 

Even today, the gentle glow of a candle has a way of soothing the spirit, allowing the stresses of the day to fade as its fragrance quietly fills the room.

Inspired by nature and a desire to make thoughtful choices, our candles are hand-poured in small batches using 100% American-grown soy wax, cotton wicks, and carefully selected fragrances. Each candle is poured into recycled Spanish glass, reflecting our commitment to creating beautiful products while being mindful of the environment.

Some of our candles also contain hand-selected crystals, adding another meaningful connection to the natural world.

For me, candlelight is more than fragrance or decoration. It's a simple pleasure, a quiet moment, and a reminder that we don't always need more to feel content.

That's what I hope The Good Llama brings into your home: a little warmth, a little beauty, and a moment to slow down.

Thank you for supporting our small business.

Lori Byman
Founder, The Good Llama Co.
Topsfield, Massachusetts

Kind Words From Our Customers

"I am so happy with Good Llama candles. The fragrances are subtle and not overpowering. The beautiful wishes have been welcomed and appreciated by friends and family that have received them as gifts. I am allergic to so many candle fragrances, but I do so well with these. I would recommend this company to anyone looking for a quality, thoughtful gift, or to enjoy for yourself. "

— Marylin Bragg, Methuen, MA

"My family and I love the candles from Good Llama Co. I love that they are long lasting and 100% natural and I love how they smell. The scents are not heavy and overpowering like other candles. My teenage daughters love the stones hidden in the candles. Each candle is made with a specific intention. The stone inside represents the intention. The candles promote love or healing or well being. Every time you light the candle you are reminded of your intention and when the candle is gone, you still have the stone to remind you of what it is you are working towards." 

— Mia Morgan, Marblehead, MA

"I have always loved candles, the soft light, the warm glow, the flickering flame. The first thing I would buy when I moved into a new home was a candle. Returning home after work, I'd light a candle before I even made a cup of tea. My husband and I never had a meal at our table without a candle between us, and at dinner parties our dining table shone with candles coordinated with my table setting. Then one day my husband, pointing up at the ceiling, said "Look at that ceiling! It's black from all your candles!" So, we had the ceiling painted and used only battery-operated plastic candles that flickered at the top.

And then, a tiny miracle! At a Christmas craft fair last Fall, I stopped at The Good Llama Candle Co. table. I liked the scents, the crystals, the colors, the recycled glass, and the promises, but all that mattered to me, all I wished for, was that this candle would burn clean, with no black smoke or black rim around the glass, and nothing in it to darken the newly painted white ceiling. My wish came true. Real Candles are back in my home. The Good Llama candles! "

— Bette Tsoutsouras, Ipswich, MA

“It is just a treasure, right down to the recycled container, and the sweet and delicate dried flowers on top. I don't know how I got so lucky. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

"I just wanted to send a little note to thank you so much for this very special candle, made with love by your daughter. It was incredibly kind of you to share this gift with me. It is on my desk delivering fresh memories and reminders of a time when I was young and idealistic! With every breeze that blows, I feel a sense of calm from the aroma and the amethyst within and the essence of Haight-Ashbury, It is just a treasure, right down to the recycled container, and the sweet and delicate dried flowers on top. I don't know how I got so lucky. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

 (This was a note written to my mother from Gail expressing her appreciation for one of our candles)  .

— Gail M.

Our products are available for purchase online on this site and at my workshop,                    1  Morningside Drive, Topsfield MA 01983.

Good Llama candles can be found at the following locations.

Post Road Framers, 225 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA.

Paisley Farm, 189 Washington Street, Boxford, MA (December 1-24)

Haverhill Winter Farmers Market. Every third Saturday from 10-1

November 21                                        December 19                      January 16                          February 20

Salem New Hampshire  Winter Market                                                 Fisk School                                 4 Main Street, Salem, NH. 
Alternate Sundays.                  11/1, 

We're not like all the Others

At The Good Llama Co., we believe the ingredients matter just as much as the fragrance.

Our candles are hand-poured in small batches using 100% American-grown soy wax, cotton wicks, and carefully selected, phthalate-free fragrance oils and essential oils. We use recycled Spanish glass jars from San Miguel, chosen for their simple beauty and ability to be reused or recycled.

Soy wax offers a slow, even burn, allowing you to enjoy your candle longer. Every candle is thoughtfully made with attention to quality, simplicity, and the environment.

Inspired by Nature

Our fragrances take their inspiration from the natural world, from fresh herbs and blooming gardens to wooded trails and ocean breezes.

Select candles also feature carefully chosen crystals, bringing an additional touch of nature and meaning to each creation.

Fragrances with Character

We believe a fragrance should complement a room, not overwhelm it. That's why we carefully select, blend, and test our fragrances to create scents that feel familiar, inviting, and distinctive.

Our collection changes with the seasons, and we're always exploring new combinations. Whether it's the earthy scent of a vine-ripened tomato or the quiet comfort of a woodland retreat, each candle is designed to capture a little piece of the world around us.

Thoughtfully made. Naturally inspired. Unmistakably The Good Llama.

At The Good Llama Co., we believe the container should be just as thoughtful as what's inside.

Our candles are poured into beautiful recycled Spanish glass jars from San Miguel, a glassmaker in Valencia, Spain, known for its commitment to sustainability.

Made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass, these jars have a wonderfully rustic, slightly imperfect character that we love. Each one brings a touch of old-world charm to our small-batch candles.

And when the candle is finished? Give the jar another life. Repurpose it, refill it, or return it to us clean and free of wax for $1 off your next candle.

Less waste. More character. A little better for the planet.

Candle Safety & Care

A little care goes a long way toward enjoying your candle safely.

Always trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from children, pets, drafts, and flammable materials.

For an even burn, allow the melted wax to reach the edges of the jar, especially on the first burn. Never burn for more than 4 hours at a time, and discontinue use when ½ inch of wax remains.

Always place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

Returns & Exchanges

Not in love with your candle? No worries! We happily accept returns or exchanges on unlit, unused candles in their original condition within 30 days of delivery.

Simply mail your candle to:

The Good Llama Co.
1 Morningside Drive
Topsfield, MA 01983

Please include your name, address, and, if exchanging, the item you'd prefer.

Once received and inspected, we'll issue a refund for the purchase price or arrange an exchange. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.

We cannot accept returns on candles that have been lit or used.

Shipping, Tracking & Delivery

All orders from The Good Llama Co. are carefully packaged and shipped via UPS.

Processing Time: Please allow 3–5 business days for your order to be prepared for shipping. Larger or custom orders may require additional time.

Tracking: Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with your UPS tracking information. Please allow up to 24 hours for tracking updates to appear.

Delivery Issues: If your package is marked as delivered but hasn't arrived, please verify your shipping address and check with household members or neighbors. You can also contact UPS directly for assistance.

Address Changes: Made a mistake with your shipping address? Contact us as soon as possible, and we'll do our best to correct it before your order ships. Additional shipping charges may apply to packages returned due to an incorrect address.

Please Note: Local delivery is currently unavailable.

Questions about your order? We're always happy to help!

Questions About an Order

Lost or Delayed Packages

All orders ship via UPS, with a processing time of 3–5 business days. You'll receive tracking information once your order ships. If your package is delayed or missing, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Damaged or Incorrect Orders

We want you to love your purchase! If an item arrives damaged, incorrect, or missing, please email us at ljbyman@gmail.com. For damaged items, include a photo so we can arrange a replacement.

A Note About Soy Wax

Occasionally, soy candles develop white patches or slight discoloration due to temperature changes. This natural characteristic, known as frosting, doesn't affect the candle's fragrance or performance. If you're unhappy with its appearance, please contact us.

We're always happy to help make things right!

We're Here to Help

As a small business, every customer matters to us. Whether you have a question, need help choosing the perfect candle, or something isn't quite right with your order, we're always happy to help.

We appreciate your support and want every experience with The Good Llama to be a good one.

Questions? We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at ljbyman@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is your return policy?

We happily accept returns or exchanges on unused, unlit candles within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility. Damaged or incorrect items will be replaced at no additional cost. Please see our Returns & Exchanges policy for details.

2. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and cash for in-person purchases.

3. What goes into your candles?

Our candles are hand-poured using 100% American-grown soy wax, cotton wicks, and carefully selected phthalate-free fragrances. We use recycled Spanish glass jars, and select candles contain hand-chosen crystals.

4. Do you offer custom orders?

Absolutely! We love creating personalized candles for weddings, birthdays, showers, and special events. Contact us to discuss your ideas.

5. How do I burn my candle safely?

Trim your wick to ¼ inch before each use. Always burn within sight, away from children, pets, drafts, and flammable materials. Allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface during the first burn, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

6. What if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?

We're happy to make it right! Email ljbyman@gmail.com with your order details and a photo of any damaged items. We'll arrange a replacement at no additional cost.

7. How are orders shipped?

All orders ship via UPS. Please allow 3–5 business days for processing, plus shipping time. You'll receive tracking information once your order ships. If your package is missing or delayed, please contact us.

8. Why does my soy candle have white patches?

Soy wax naturally develops occasional white patches or slight discoloration, known as frosting. This is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect your candle's fragrance or performance. If you're unhappy with its appearance, please contact us.