One of my favorite gifts to have on hand during the holiday season is candles. They’re great for a last minute present that people can actually use. That’s why I’m so excited about today’s maker, a small batch, eco-friendly candlemaker from the northeast mountains of Pennsylvania, allow me to introduce Candelles.
Focusing on the simplicity of life, while still keeping it full of fun and beauty, all of their candles are completely natural and have no additives at all! I love all their creative scents, from cinnamon bun to vetiver and pine, there’s something for everyone on your list.
tell us a bit about what you do – your process, your materials, what inspires and drives you.
At Candelles, we focus our efforts on providing a quality candle made of all natural products. We use U.S farmed soy wax, all natural fragrance oils, and lead-free cotton wicks. We also use easily removable labels to encourage our customers to repurpose our jars.
Growing up with an entrepreneur mind, I (Kelley) never really had a different plan in life. Running a business had always been my dream and I was wasting too much time assuming that life would just fall into my lap. In 2013, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and lived on only one month more. During that time, she taught me to believe in myself and let nothing stop me from following my dreams. She has been my main motivation in making Candelles succeed – making her proud.
what is your favorite holiday tradition?
We throw a big party for our families every Christmas Eve! While my grandmother used to be the host of these fun events, I grew up learning that everyone deserves a place to enjoy the holidays and loved ones to make memories with. Her open door policy brings friends of friends and even friends of theirs. So a jam packed house with Christmas music playing and everyone inside who is considered family is my absolute favorite tradition!
what’s your favorite gift to give?
I love sentimental, handmade gifts most. That’s how our candle making hobby was started. Making candles with special labels for friends was always fun! Now there is such a flourishing handmade community online that even the not so crafty can still find the most thoughtful of gifts!
how do you maintain your creative process through the hectic holiday season?
We plan so far in advance that our holiday details have been finalized for months. The process of putting those plans in action is much more about production and fulfillment for us, and I spend any free time I have otherwise thinking about the new year! Starting fresh and new, setting goals, and planning our Spring/Summer collections. It’s all so exciting that it makes dreaming it up easy.
any resolutions for the new year?
For Candelles, we’re actually undergoing a subtle rebrand (and you’re the first to hear!). We’re hoping to bring a more modern approach to our design and set our goals high with resolutions to beat every one of them. For myself — I want to travel more, crush my business goals, and learn a new craft!
images via candelles.
Check out all 12 Makers of Christmas: all roads | candelles | colore´ grace | friedasophie | même | moulton | morning ritual jewelry | paper and clay | rebecca atwood | suite one studio | third eye assembly | yield design co.
Also, be sure to follow along on Pinterest as all 12 makers share even more of their amazing work!
