Sometimes the best journeys begin with taking a chance. For Andrea Cahigal, that meant teaching herself an entirely new craft, building a business from the ground up, and eventually moving across the country to a city she had never called home. Today, her small-batch candle company, Wild Root, has become a beloved part of Savannah's creative community, with its first brick-and-mortar shop nestled inside One For The Road in the Starland District.

Originally from Southern California, Andrea launched Wild Root in 2018 while working in freelance photo production in Los Angeles. What started as a side project quickly became something much more meaningful.

"I started Wild Root out of the need to do something for myself after feeling like I was doing a job pleasing others," Andrea says. "I had never made candles before, so I taught myself. Once I realized I could build a business around something I truly loved, I took it to the next level."

She rented a studio in downtown Los Angeles, began selling online, and spent years introducing her handcrafted candles at markets throughout Southern California. As her following grew, so did her passion for creating products that were as safe and sustainable as they were beautiful.

After the pandemic, Andrea and her husband found themselves craving a different pace of life. During a road trip through the South, they discovered Savannah—and immediately felt at home.

"We found a house on Zillow, decided to move without ever seeing it in person, and packed everything up," Andrea recalls. "We quickly fell in love with the Ardsley neighborhood."

The move proved to be the perfect next chapter for Wild Root. Andrea immersed herself in Savannah's vibrant maker community, participating in local favorites like the Service Brewing Makers Market, DeSoto Street Market, and numerous other artisan events. In July 2025, Wild Root celebrated another major milestone by opening its first permanent retail location inside One For The Road in Starland.

"We love Starland and want to continue serving the community with well-crafted scents that are unique to us."

Wild Root remains a true one-woman operation. Andrea personally designs, pours, and finishes every candle in small batches, allowing her to maintain the quality and consistency that have become hallmarks of the brand.

Her commitment extends beyond craftsmanship. Every Wild Root candle is made with soy wax, beeswax, and phthalate-free fragrance oils, creating a cleaner-burning alternative to many mass-produced candles.

"Buying candles from big box stores can be affordable," Andrea explains, "but they often use paraffin wax and fragrance oils that aren't the healthiest choice. We use soy wax and beeswax to ensure a safe, clean burn."

The result is a collection of thoughtfully crafted candles that are as visually appealing as they are environmentally conscious—products designed to make a home feel warm, welcoming, and intentional.

When she's not in the studio pouring candles, Andrea enjoys tending to her plants, walking around the park with her dog, or meeting friends for dinner with her husband. Those simple pleasures—and Savannah's creative spirit—continue to inspire both her life and her work.

Looking ahead, Andrea is excited to deepen Wild Root's connection with the community by expanding hands-on candle-making workshops at One For The Road, giving customers the opportunity to experience the creative process for themselves.

Whether you're searching for a signature scent, a thoughtful gift, or simply hoping to support a local maker, Wild Root offers more than candles—it offers a story of creativity, courage, and finding home in an unexpected place.