Meet The Maker

Meet the Maker: Tamber Johnson

Owner & Operator of A Native Touch Co.

Hi, I’m Tamber Johnson, and I’m the heart behind A Native Touch Co.—a Native-owned candle and home goods company born out of love, necessity, and deep cultural roots. I’m so glad you’re here. Let me share how this journey began, and what keeps the flame lit behind everything I create.

The Inspiration Behind A Native Touch Co.

Every maker has their “why.” Mine? It started in my own home. My husband loves candles—he’s the kind of person who lights one in every room. But for me, candles meant migraines, allergy flare-ups, and a thick, artificial scent that lingered long after the flame was out.

I couldn’t understand why something as comforting as a candle left me feeling so sick. The more I researched, the more I discovered what most big-brand candles were hiding—benzene, toluene, and a host of synthetic chemicals linked to headaches, hormone disruption, and respiratory issues. That was enough to make me blow them out for good.

But I missed that cozy glow. So, I set out to create a candle that we could both enjoy—something clean-burning, safe, and made with real intention.

Along that journey, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. That changed everything. I realized I wasn’t just making candles for comfort—I was making them for people like her who couldn’t risk being exposed to hormone-disrupting or toxic ingredients. I knew soy wax wasn’t even an option, and I became committed to using only the cleanest ingredients from the wick to the wax to the fragrance

Rooted in Monacan Tradition

I’m a proud member of the Monacan Indian Nation, based in Monroe, Virginia, and my heritage flows through everything I do.

Growing up, I was blessed to spend time with my great-grandmother. She loved teaching about our culture and tending to her flower gardens. Her hands were always in the earth, and her heart was always in her people. She passed down stories, wisdom, and a deep respect for nature—things that still guide me to this day.

That love of flowers and cultural knowledge finds its way into every product I make. Whether I’m creating a candle that smells like a walk through wild blooms or designing labels inspired by our heritage, A Native Touch Co. is built on the values she instilled in me: honor the land, protect your people, and create with care.

Motherhood, Baseball Practice & Beeswax

I’m not just a business owner—I’m a mom of four little ones: ages 7, 6, 5, and 2. Life is busy, but it’s beautiful. My days are a mix of baseball practice, school pickups, toddler wrangling, late-night candle pouring, and trying to keep my kitchen from turning into a wax lab (it usually fails).

Some days I’m elbow-deep in shipping labels and product photography; other days I’m cheering from the sidelines or tucking kids into bed. There’s not much balance—but there’s a lot of purpose.

My kids are a big part of why I do this. I want them to grow up knowing their roots, watching their mom build something meaningful, and understanding that you can create a life full of tradition, love, and fire.

 

A Product Line with Purpose

People always ask what my favorite product is—and the truth is, I love them all. Because every scent, every formula, every vessel was made with someone in mind.

Our candles are hand-poured in small batches with coco beeswax and wooden crackle wicks.

Our room sprays freshen your space without overpowering it.

Our mop soaps and wax melts are perfect for families who want a clean home without harsh chemicals.

If it’s in our shop, it’s something I use in my own home with my kids running around—and that’s the standard I’ll always hold myself to.

Thank You for Being Here

Whether you’ve followed my journey from the beginning or just found A Native Touch Co., I want to thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this Native-owned, mom-run business. Thank you for choosing clean products. Thank you for keeping this fire burning with me.

This isn’t just a business.

It’s a legacy.

It’s honoring those who came before us and lighting the way forward for those we love.

With love and fire,

Tamber Johnson

Owner & Maker, A Native Touch Co.