behind the business

HOW WE BEGAN: TEMPERANCE CANDLE CO. 

Temperance Apothecary is a spiritual wellness and home goods business. Ancestrally driven and principle led, the brand was born in May 2020, then as Temperance Candle Company. Our founder, Jerusalem Truth (she/they), sought a holistic way to aid their mother's headaches while the world was completely shut down. After learning more about aromatherapy, Jerusalem began testing and developing candles, with a desire to not 'treat' others, but inspire them to take intentional time with self.

As the world responded to the heightened police violence that was taking place during Spring/Summer 2020, Jerusalem felt called to not only embrace modern divinity but embrace ancestral wisdom and technology as well. With then several years of tarot reading knowledge, Jerusalem crafted one of a kind fragrances, taking inspiration from a Ghanaian adinkra symbol and tarot card. In the time since, Temperance expanded via the Equinox collection, created to highlight the spiritually potent times when seasons change. 

While living in Brooklyn, Temperance Candle Co. attended a variety of pop ups, namely the now infamous Tompkins Block Club parties. It was there that Jerusalem was able to connect with our amazing Black business owners, learning, growing, and even expanding Temperance's offerings into body butters.