Illuminating Beginnings

Amanda Buhse, the energetic CEO & Chief Creative Officer behind Coal and Canary, has always pursued creativity first—starting off as a graphic designer, then marketing executive—and turning that passion into a thriving candle brand launched in 2014. Her story is one of building a brand from the ground up, learning on the job, and turning challenges into catalysts for growth.

The Brand That Tells a Story

Coal and Canary isn’t just about candles: it’s about personality. From the playful scent names to pink-painted walls in the workplace, the brand’s ethos is “fun first, product second.” Amanda designed everything—from packaging to messaging—to feel personal, aiming to make customers feel like lifelong friends. Recipe? Vegan soy/vegetable wax, crackling wooden wicks, true-to-scent oils, and cheeky design choices.

Recent Highlights & Recognition

In November 2024, Amanda was honored with the Women-Led Award at the Women of Inspiration Awards in New York City—acknowledging her leadership, innovation, and community impact. The recognition came not only for her achievements as an entrepreneur, but also for her growing influence in leadership roles. Amanda recently took on the position of Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and continues to serve on the Board of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, demonstrating her commitment to supporting economic development and global community connections.

Innovation & Growth

Amanda’s flair for innovation shows in her operations and growth strategies. While Coal and Canary began with humble roots, the company has steadily expanded into a thriving lifestyle brand with retail reach across Canada and beyond. Known for fun, high-quality products, Coal and Canary has grown from a passion project into a trendsetter in the small-batch luxury candle space.

Amanda recently shared plans to launch immersive, interactive brick‑and‑mortar store experiences. She envisions inviting customers to participate in candle‑making: pouring, labeling, packaging—all in store, to build a deeper connection and showcase the love behind each candle.

Authentic Brand Culture & Community

Amanda is committed to representation and community empowerment. Coal and Canary frequently engages with LGBTQIA+ causes—most notably through its seasonal “I Can See Queerly Now” candle, with a portion of proceeds supporting local LGBTQIA+ nonprofits. This ethos mirrors Amanda’s own identity as a leader in the LGBTQI2S+ community, and her belief in welcoming everybody to the table remains core to the brand’s personality.

Inside the company, Amanda fosters a workplace where creativity meets joy: think pink interiors, monthly outings (“Fun Days”), curated playlists, and a generous, high‑energy environment where employees feel seen and valued.

Words from Amanda

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial path, Amanda shared that what truly keeps her motivated is the human connection behind the business. It’s the spark she sees when someone lights a Coal and Canary candle and instantly feels at home. That emotional connection, she says, is the “real reward.”

Amanda admits one of the hardest lessons has been learning to delegate. Early on, she wore every hat—product developer, marketer, customer service, and more. “Letting go of control wasn’t easy,” she says, “but building trust in your team is essential for growth.”

When asked about her next bold move, she lights up talking about the future of Coal and Canary. She hopes to open immersive retail spaces where customers can engage in the candle-making process themselves—pouring, scenting, labeling—creating not just a purchase but an experience. “It’s about making the magic feel personal,” she smiles.

Her philosophy is both cheeky and grounded: “Make candles. Have a kick‑ass time. Care about the details. Be creative. Be kind. Enjoy the ride.”

To young entrepreneurs—especially women—Amanda encourages confidence and curiosity. “Talk to other women in the field. Ask questions, even the uncomfortable ones. You’re going to mess up, but those mistakes are your best teachers. Your voice and perspective matter. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”

A Legacy of Recognition

Amanda’s journey has been marked not just by growth, but by a steady stream of accolades celebrating her leadership, creativity, and community impact. In early 2025, she was named Women Entrepreneur of the Year by the Women Business Owners of Manitoba, recognized specifically for her contributions to the community. Just months prior, she had received the Women-Led Award at the Women of Inspiration Awards of North America—an honor that shone a spotlight on her resilience, influence, and commitment to inspiring other women in business.

Amanda was also a Finalist for the RBC Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award in both 2021 and 2024. Her business, Coal and Canary, won Best Local Business in 2024 at the WNLA Absolut Awards, and took home the Spirit of Winnipeg Trade Award from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce twice, in both 2023 and prior years.

Her reach has also been international. Amanda was selected as a Canadian delegate for the YEA G20 Summits in both 2021 (Rome/Milan) and 2022 (Hamburg), standing among 40 entrepreneurs under 40 representing Canada on topics like sustainability, innovation, and global economic recovery.

Coal and Canary has also been recognized as Small Business of the Year by Tourism Winnipeg, and received Best Small Business from Travel Manitoba for its outstanding contribution to tourism. Amanda herself was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, highlighting her deep dedication to giving back to the community that helped build her.

These accolades are not just titles—they are symbols of Amanda’s unwavering commitment to building a business that cares, connects, and creates space for others to shine.

Looking Ahead

Amanda’s vision for Coal and Canary over the next few years includes:

• Launching immersive store locations across Canada—spaces where people can pour candles themselves and interact with the brand in real time.
• Further expanding retail and digital reach, while maintaining a sense of community and authenticity.
• Continuing to blend playful design and purposeful messaging—bringing joy and storytelling to the everyday act of lighting a candle.

Amanda Buhse’s journey—from designer to award-winning CEO—is a powerful testament to purpose, creative energy, and business with heart. Coal and Canary continues lighting up homes—and hearts—across North America, all under her vibrant leadership.