Candle Business

Candle making is big business and very popular today in the USA, but its origins are firmly grounded in ancient history.

Manor Road Candles

Candle making has come a long way since the days of flax wicks that smoked badly and tallow candles made from animal fat that smelled foul. Only the very rich could afford beeswax candles, the original “Green” candle made from the byproduct of honey production.Candles were invented out of a necessity to illuminate our homes. We no longer need them, yet they continue to be used for special celebrations and rituals passed down in traditions for centuries. Every culture and religion known to man uses candles. They are thought to illuminate the way for lost souls and spirits, helping them find their way. We celebrate birthdays, weddings, funerals, and special occasions. We use them to decorate our homes, set romantic atmospheres, and influence emotions.Perhaps candles evoke an nostaligic experience of the sweet smell of memories, and a longing for a time where life was peaceful,and escapeisim form the daily grind of high tech demands was a reality.

According to the National Candle Association (NCA)

“candles are perhaps one of the most enjoyable and affordable luxury item available to everyone. They are beautiful and magical, infusing the home with color and fragrance. They can create a warmth and ambiance to bring a special sense of calm and well being”

There is an increasing demand from the public for natural products and many candle makers like myself are using earth-friendly options from the wonderful natural waxes available such as soy, beeswax and palm wax. There is not a lot of strong research to suggest that burning natural wax verses paraffin wax is safer but many people prefer to err on the side of caution and feel more comfortable burning a natural wax candle.

90% of candles are purchased by women in the US. There is a slow increase in popularity with men and both men and women use candles to decorate a room with color and fragrance and for stress reduction and ambiance. Candles are also very popular outside for lightening and decorating patios and decks. Realtors use candles to make homes for sale warm and welcoming, vanilla is one of the most popular scents used at open houses.

Candle sales increase dramatily during the holiday season, with both men and women saying candles were a highly appreciated and acceptable gift for most occasions.

On Trend Colors

Candle companies follow the fashion industry closely. Here are some on trend colors and themes for the candle industry for 2016.

• Fiesta- Red free spirited, glitz and glamour high society
• Artland- back and white ink
• Buttercup- yellow
• Green flash- unique openness spirited
• Peach echo- Warm
• Delft Touch- 17th century Holland inky blue soft white

With over 10,000 different candle scents available to consumers there has to be a fragrance to suit everyone. After all “Beauty is in the nose of the beholders’