Because of You...A Letter from Our Founder

Depending on the source (not all agree), 60 – 96% of businesses fail before they ever reach 10 years old. Basically, the odds aren’t great that a small business will stick around for 10 years.

I started Antique Candle Co. (formerly known as Antique Candle Works) in January 2014 – what seems like ages ago. I wrote the first email to my first candle customers at my dining room table (here is what I wrote to you for Mother’s Day in 2014. Haha!), just a few feet from where I made the candles in my kitchen.

As I write this message to you now, I am in a different house – actually, an apartment in my hometown – and just a few feet away from where I sometimes record new product videos or live demos (like how to use our refill kits). Right now, I’m burning Banana Bread – a fragrance that didn’t win from a candle tester round a few years ago, but I personally loved it so much I stocked up on leftovers.

A lot has changed and owning a business isn’t easy, but I don’t think that’s why most businesses who want to be around 10 years later aren’t in business.

I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on this past year and there is a common theme – you are dreaming up the next ideas with us. Of course, the only reason I get to dream about things we can craft is because of you – but I think that is too simple. That doesn’t give you enough credit for why I get to make more candles for you 10 years later.

Do you remember when I started doing candle testers in 2018? If you’ve been here a while, you know that Candle Testers (when candle friends like you vote on the next new fragrance) didn’t always exist. I actually found this super old post when we were doing a candle tester round several years back. (It’s when my personal favorite, Banana Bread, did NOT win!!)

The whole Candle Testing process is so fun because I have NO IDEA which scents you’ll love or which ones you’ll score a 1 out of 10 (being, very bad). Haha! That’s a big part of what makes me appreciate you even more – you are always honest with me. You will tell me if a tomato candle is a terrible idea! I actually count on it, and it’s why I think we’re still in business 10 years later.

You’ve saved me from some pretty strange ideas. My tastes aren’t always your tastes, and that’s what began a fun journey of building this business together with you. With your input, your ideas, your comments, and yes, even your complaints, Antique Candle Co. has grown and changed for the better.

The most valuable feedback has been both the negative and the validating feedback for new ideas. I feel like we are doing this together – we’re testing things out, choosing new fragrances, deciding to launch room sprays, trying to make wood wick candles work, updating the images on the online shop to be less white and easier to see, and even making shipping more affordable. (Just this year, we offered free shipping the whole year for the lower 48 states. That was a huge deal for us to do that!) I hope you also enjoyed us bringing back soy wax melts and adding more Pumpkin candles this Fall!! Those were not in the plan, but we added it because of all the comments you shared that encouraged us to build those for you!

I had a lot of fun on all those projects, and I really appreciate your honest feedback along the way. Again – I feel like we’ve been doing this together. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for caring enough to share your creative ideas, concerns, and when you don’t like a candle. It helps us know if we are on the right path.

As I close this chapter on the first 10 years, I wonder if a timeline and journey of this business could be fun to share – there are some highlights of some ideas that started with you. Is that something you might like to see?

Friend, thank you for sharing feedback with me over the years. I believe the Lord is supporting our mission to connect with people and reflect light back into the world with candles. I also believe that your participation and feedback on what we craft has made all the difference in why we are still here 10 years later. Thank you for loving on us, caring about what we create, and just being here. If you made it reading this far, thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

 

xoxo

Brittany, Owner + Founder

PS – for the first time, I started doing candle tours with customers! I haven’t made a big thing of it, but just saying ‘yes’ to those of you who reach out…The reason I started doing this is because one thing I miss about doing the craft shows is having a way to ask you questions in person. I might continue the tours, but I’m not sure…

Do you ever get up to Lafayette, Indiana?? Purdue University is close by, so sometimes I get to meet folks from out of state that just want to visit. I must admit that our current space isn’t set up for tours (it’s pretty cramped!), so I always feel bad for those that do come for a tour. I wonder if we can build something for the future. I suppose it depends on your thoughts.

Here we go again: building something together! If we do tours in the future, what would you want to see or do? Hmmm…Oh, the possibilities!! I can’t wait to hear what you think!


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55 Comments

Noreen Hicks

December 28, 2023
One good thing that came out of the pandemic was finding your candles. I am a big candle person, Antique Candles are the most beautiful. I have given them as gifts and actually a week ago a friend asked me for your link as she loved the candle I gave her. I gave all my sister in laws and nieces a candle on Christmas. They admitted they were hoping to get one again. So thank you from Freehold, New Jersey. God bless and keep you all safe, healthy and happy in 2024!
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Linda

December 28, 2023
In future will you let us know on wood wick candles? Impossible? And please bring back your French vanilla candle. Thanks!!
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Gina Marciano

December 28, 2023
What a beautiful post! Will you be looking for candle testers again in the near future? I’ve done it before with you and love it!
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Diane Stevenson

December 28, 2023
I vote for tours.
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Ken

December 28, 2023
Keep up the "No Charge for Shipping". We avoid companies that charge for shipping and "Handling" (whatever that means). Happy 2024 and stay safe.
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Maggie

December 28, 2023
You mentioned a tomato candle in the text above. Actually tomato leaf scent is very popular for a candle and I would love to see a line of garden-themed candles in the spring or summer. Basil, rosemary, thyme, tomato leaf, so many flowers, etc. Thank you for shining the light!
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Lauren Haun

December 28, 2023
Hello, As I was reading your post I wanted to share a thought of mine. I’ve been a customer for quite awhile. I’ve moved into a 55+ community now and having a lit candle is something I rethink now. Would you consider a candle lamp of some kind so one wouldn’t have a flame at all? Not that I feel I would forget to blow out my candle but as we get older it would just be a safety thing. We still love candles at any age! Thank you
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Marta

December 28, 2023
I'm so glad I found you (thru IG) and love your amazing candles. Blessings to you as you continue on your journey, making the best scented candles. Sharing your faith and gratefulness only enhances your business! I will continue to support your faith-based business, and look forward to the scents you share with us. Happy New Year!
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Melissa Boland

December 28, 2023
Love your company & All of your products! Love the free shipping, extras you add in packaging, and the incredible detail. Would love to try the banana bread candle AND PLEASE bring back fresh roasted coffee!!! I actually turned 3 of my friends onto your company because of that candle. Keep being awesome!!!
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Pat Carper

December 28, 2023
I live in Ft Wayne and love your candles! If you ever start tours again, I would love to come down and take one!!
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Sandy M

December 28, 2023
Enjoyed reading your post. I have been a customer for only a year, but love your candles. Tree Farm is my favorite and a go to for me year round. I have tried other scents and have gifted quite a few candles since I found you! Keep up the great work, with a quality product! Thank you! And best wishes for a fabulous New Year for you and your company!
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Michelle

December 28, 2023
What a fun email this morning! I would love you share a timeline and journey of ACCo. It's always a good and important thing to remember and revisit history. I received my very first ACCo candle as a birthday gift (Vanilla Bean ;) ) several years ago now and was immediately hooked. Just this Christmas I gave a Vanilla Bean candle to my mailm'am because as she delivered a recent order she asked me about "these candles". I knew then she needed one and am hoping she is as sold on them as I am. Currently I am burning Tree Farm and I receive SO many compliments from people who stop by and come in and they always say "it smells so good in here". I trust the Lord will continue to bless ACCo and you continue to bring glory to His name through all of your efforts as a company. " ...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house (company), we will serve the LORD." May He be kind and gracious to you all. Happy New Year 2024 and 10th anniversary, candle friends! XO
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Lisa D

December 28, 2023
Love your candles. So happy to support a faith based company. Love free shipping. I just gave candles to my closet 4 friends. They all loved them and are customers now too. Happy new year!
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Tara Chavis

December 28, 2023
I’m so thankful for the wonderful candles and the ministry that all of you at Antique Candle Co shares! I love that you involve your customers in choosing new candles 🥰 I’d love a timeline! Thanks for all you do, Antique Candle Co!
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Merida

December 28, 2023
Love your product. The packaging on it's own is lovely too. I appreciate you taking the time to share with me via Email about your Company. Thank you! I am going to start giving them as Gifts to my family. MERIDA🙂
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Janet

December 28, 2023
I have been testing and loving your candles now for 3 years! These are the best smelling and burning candles on the market, and I have burned many brands. I enjoy getting the testers and trying them all out. Hard to believe ACCo has been around 10 years and I only knew about you for 4 years. God has continued to bless you and your growing company. Hard to say what 2024 will bring to you, but just know it is according to His plan. Hope your Christmas was wonderful and here's to a great and prosperous 2024!!
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Bridget

December 28, 2023
It would be great if ya'll would offer more choices in wax melts! I am anxiously waiting to try Georgia Peach and a few others, but prefer the wax melts!
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Sonia H.

December 28, 2023
Thank you for sharing your heart. I would like to see a timeline of your journey as well as that of ACC. I love the way you boldly share your faith and Jesus. That I’m supporting a small US based business. The quality and care you put in to your products and how you involve us in the process. The free shipping has been a nice gift as well. You are so very welcome for the support and thank YOU and your TEAM for all that you do! I look forward to what is coming in the New Year! God bless you all! ~Sonia
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Tracy Lockhart

December 28, 2023
I absolutely love Antique Candle Co. I love that you’re a Christian company & serve the Lord above all else. Your products are so good…the quality, the scents. My little candle cabinet is full of nothing but ACCo. candles & I love them all. You have the best holiday selection by far! Thanks for always taking us along & listening to our suggestions. Happy 10 yr. anniversary!
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Triniti

December 28, 2023
Great products and company. I truly appreciate the thought and care put into each order. And love that you test scents to see what people would like. I would love to come and do a tour. We have family in Lafayette, IN. I think it's fascinating how things are made! I also would be interested in a timeline . Keep on doing your amazing work.
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Kimberly Yeakley

December 28, 2023
I love your candles! I gifted so many this year as Christmas presents. For Spring/Summer will there be an herby & fresh candle option like rosemary mint or a Georgia Peach candle? Maybe next fall/winter an orange nutmeg candle? 🤍🤍🤍
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Michelle

December 28, 2023
I absolutely love your company! There are fewer companies out there, I feel, that have exceptional customer service, but you are one of them. I admit, I bought from ACCo for a while, but then stopped. When I recently reached back out to customer service, my issue (of my own accord) was resolved so easily and simply and I’ve been back buying again and I’m so happy. I even offered some new ideas and they were received so happily. You truly work so well with your customers! I love that you’re a Christian company and I tell everyone I know about your candles!! Keep up the good work…we love growing your company with you!
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Ashley

December 28, 2023
I'm a new customer. Just found you during Black Friday/Christmas time so basically yesterday. 🤣 Please keep the free shipping around and I hope I get the opportunity to become a candle tester.
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Darla Woodkowski

December 28, 2023
I heard about your candles from Andrea on YouTube. (Pineandprospect). I decided to invest in a couple of your candles because while I love candles I usually can’t burn them because my asthma bothers me while burning most candles. Well I was so glad that I was able to burn yours this Holiday season to my delight without wheezing and having to extinguish them or use my inhaler. They have the perfect amount of scent and burn so clean. Thank you for the wonderful product and for your faith filled message of your company. God bless you all.
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Chrissy Weiss

December 28, 2023
I love hearing you share your story of how Anique Candle Co is celebrating 10 years. I personally love your humble heart and love for the Lord. And I really enjoy the candles I have purchased...they are the very few brands of candles that don't give me a headache when I burn them, they burn clean (no black on the jars!), and scents are just the right amount of strength. I hope your business is around for the next 25 years so I can continue giving them as gifts and make memories with my husband and children around these special scents. We love burning Pumpkin Spice around the fall season. Also some other favorites are Christmas Day and Tree Farm around Christmas time. After I lost my sense of smell from a certain virus...Momma's Kitchen was the candle I burned first when I could finally smell again!! We love your candles and will continue to support your business.
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Brandy Moore

December 28, 2023
I was introduced to your candles through a friend on social media. I had stoped buying candles 10 years ago and switched to oils only due to all the ‘bad rap’ that candles were getting and the health issues that came with them. Well….I am (only because of your candles!!) now back to having candles in my home with my family due to what you make your candles with!! Everyone loves them and my son with migraine issues loves the smells as well with no negative health kickbacks. I bought your candles and have given them for birthday gifts, gifts in general and it was my parents Christmas gift this year in their new home and I have stocked up on MANY of your candles. (Mamas Kitchen being my favorite right now). Thank you for your business and for being the reason candles are back in our home!!
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Denise W

December 28, 2023
I became an Antique Candle Co. customer over 5 years ago. There aren’t enough words to share my love for all of your candles. In fact….I just cleaned out my brass Tree Farm candle this am and commented to my family how clean and constant the big candle was. I’ve shared your candles with so many friends and family throughout the years and everyone loves them!!!! They are providing joy in so many homes. Thank you to you and your staff for all the efforts put in to each candle; I burn no others in my home!!! Cheers to a successful and truly blessed 2024 and I look forward to seeing what new fragrances are added to the selections this spring.
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Rebecca

December 28, 2023
Happy 2024!! I received my first antique candle from Christmas and I’m so excited to get more! My comment is not candle related, you can’t post a bookshelf picture and not share some good book recommendations;))))
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Heather Myrick

December 28, 2023
I love this company!!! Thank you for sharing your heart! You can count on me to keep supporting the business. I can’t help myself! (Much to my husband’s dismay 🤣)
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Lori Faulkner

December 28, 2023
I, too, love this company. Your customer service is second to none. The scents you create are amazing. I constantly have either a candle or the wax melts going in my house. Congratulations on 10 years! So proud of you!
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Laurie Burnworth

December 28, 2023
I was a Yankee Candle lover for many years, but Antique Candles are now #1 with both my daughter and me! The candles are high quality, the scents are delightful, and as another customer wrote, your customer service is second to none! And to top it all off for me, we are sisters in Christ! Congratulations on 10 years! Blessings in 2024 to each of you personally and to this wonderful company you created!
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Regina

December 28, 2023
Definitely keep doing tours! My son was living in Lafayette Indiana, and working for Purdue University when I came to visit your company. It was just myself and my family, and you opened your doors and made us feel welcome! It was such a great opportunity! Please don’t change a thing about where you make your candles! It did not feel cramped at all, it felt warm and welcoming! It made me feel like I was walking into a friends home and watching her build her dreams! And it made me feel like I was a part of that! We loved every minute of the tour! We loved you & your staff! Your candles have blessed so many, and have blessed my life as well! I’m so grateful that God gave you a vision and helped you bring that to bless so many!
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Michelle Nadalutti

December 28, 2023
Hi! I am a huge lover of your candles. However, I live in Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦. We do have great candle companies here as well, which I do support but I really love the variety of new scents that you create. Is there anything that can be done about the shipping costs. I understand I have to pay extra for the difference in the dollar plus tax but on top of that shipping is often almost $30.00. I just have to hold back from making an order even with your sales because with exchange, tax and shipping, it’s still a lot.
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Misti Moore

December 28, 2023
I am filled with watered eyes of joy for you and your entire team over the amazing accomplishments that you’ve made thru the past eight years that I’ve been around here!! It’s been remarkable and refreshing to see such a close group of Christian believers flourish and excel in their “happy place”! Brittany, your dream!! You always put Jesus first and it truly shows:) I’m only an hour and half away. I’m going to book a tour soon and I don’t care how cramped the environment is along the way! Best blessings to you!!
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Lenis Marie Berrios

December 28, 2023
From the moment I lit an Antique Candle, it felt like home. Being far from my hometown, I longed for something that captured the familiar scent of family. Every detail of your company, from the letters to the packaging, reflects a commitment to providing quality products. Thank you, Antique Candle, for making me feel at home with every exquisite scent."
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Romy

December 28, 2023
As an old time customer, I feel blessed to be able to support you & your candle company because you place Jesus first & are not ashamed to praise HIM with everything you do; & off course, because your candles are truly fantastic! I live only an hour and a half away so I would love to come for a tour now that I know you give them. Congratulations on 10 years of business! Blessings!!!❤❤❤
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Lynne Larsen

December 28, 2023
Your customer service is amazing 👏..last year one of my candle jars came smashed. You quickly replaced it. I am happy to share the wonder of Antique candle!
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Pam Blissitt

December 28, 2023
Congratulations on 10 years in business. I have been a big fan since the very first year or 2 of your business. A good friend works for your company and has since maybe the beginning….she was bringing me “rejects” and that’s when I fell in love with these candles. They are the only candles I buy now & the only ones I give as gifts. You’ve mastered candle making - They are fragrant & cleaning burning candles. I wish you decades of more success with your business. May God continue to bless you and the entire team at Antique Candle Co!!
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Kathy Gorman

December 29, 2023
Congratulations to 10 years! 🎉 I just found you at the end of this year but I can already say I love your candles! And your customer service is top notch. I also love that your love of the Lord also shines through! If you ever need another candle tester, I’d love to be a part of that!
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Linda Barten

December 29, 2023
Congratulations on 10 years. I became a fan over 2 years ago when I saw Jayme Squires talk about your candles on her instagram page. I love your candles and I have been giving them as gifts also. I would love to get some lilac scented again. Thank you so much for your vast scents!!
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Juli Compton

December 29, 2023
Love your candles, love your mission & love your heart. Thank you for a great product & sharing it with us! Praying for you & your company to thrive!
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marcie gutierrez

December 29, 2023
Congratulations on 10 years 🙌🏻! I love everything about Antique Candles. I love how your company is centered around Christ🙏🏼. Your product is truly amazing! I have gifted so many of your candles to friends and family - some are now your customers. 🙏🏼💕 . Keep up the good work and God bless you.
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Carol Pitts

December 29, 2023
Congratulations on your 10 years. I have been here from the very beginning so I would like to say “Thank You for making my home smell amazing for all these years” I am a HUGE loyal fan . I love that I can support a small business and help you become successful. Best of luck in the years to come.
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Christy Zemke

December 29, 2023
Currently have a grouping of three fall candles burning. Cozy cabin, Pumpkin Apple and Pumpkin spice. My problem is when I have a candle I really like I don’t want to burn it and save them! Decided during the holidays to burn some of my favs. Thank you for keeping Christ and God in your life and business. May he continue to bless you in 2024.
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Jinger

December 29, 2023
Congrats!! While I’m not sure I’ll make it your way, I think tours is an awesome idea…maybe you could have a gift shop too! I love your candles and your company so much. I’d love to see some berry scents this summer. Wishing you all the best for the future.
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Sherry

December 29, 2023
I love your candles. I just found you this year and we are so glad we did.
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Michele

December 30, 2023
I remember that first letter! I can't believe it's been 10 years! My my how time flies! Here's to another 10 lovely and wonderful years!! I loved that Banana Bread candle, and I voted for it! It's my personal favorite along with Glad Tidings, Christmas Day and Peach Tea, I think its peach tea! Have a Blessed and safe New Year!!!
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Madeline

December 30, 2023
Bought a candle making kit this year and made 3 beautiful candles! Was so easy to do! They turned out beautiful.
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Tammie

December 30, 2023
Love, love, LOVE your candles! A tour would be fun! I live less than an hour from you and visit Lafayette often. I've wondered if you have a drop off at your facility for recycling your jars and lids? I don't know, can you all use them again?
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Patricia Prior

December 30, 2023
I came to your candles through Sarah. I absolutely LOVE them. Their scents waft through my little house and give it a whole new feeling. I live in Canada and have to pay the exchange and shipping but when I light my new candle the cost doesn’t seem so bad. Thank you.
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Jami Whaley

December 31, 2023
I would love to come tour. It would be fun to sample scents and get to see the process! Maybe pour your own small candle?? Here’s to many more years.
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Mary Ada Kidd

December 31, 2023
Haven’t tried any of your candles yet but hoping to do so soon. I signed up for a free trial through Tina’s site, but it never arrived. My absolute year round scent is a Siberian Fir. Congratulations on 10 years and if I find a scent I like, I will be a customer for life. If I get to Indiana, I would love a tour. I would be interested in choosing my own container to fit my home decor. A scent for my car would also be nice.
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Susan Schwenker

December 31, 2023
We love your candles and have been using them and giving them as gifts for several years. We have 2 suggestions: 1. the candle scents need to be a little stronger; some of the fragrances are so light that we can't smell them unless we are directly over them and 2. the wicks need to be good and long and reach to the bottom of the wax. We had several of the little jars in your Sample Pack sold for Christmas where the candle did not burn completely down to the bottom of the jar but kept going out because the wax "smothered" the burn. Other than that, we think you are doing an amazing job and look forward to more candle fragrances to come!
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Lisa

January 19, 2024
As a fellow “Hoosier”, I have been using your candles for years. At first I bought them simply because they were made in Indiana, but soon fell in love with them. Now I burn them exclusively! Would love to visit your workshop someday. Go Boiler Makers!
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Lilli

February 13, 2024
I have loved the quality and scents of your candles for a while. I know costs go up for everyone, but I'm finding it harder to justify buying your candles at their current prices. Even on sale, they are too high for me. I hope you can consider ways to make your candles fit into the budgets of people like me. I love the big jars, BTW. Thanks for listening. PS. I was one of your original testers when you first rolled out that concept.
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