The Bath and Body Works Annual Sale reminds us of another opportunity to support black-owned candle and bath essentials companies
If you were near a Bath and Body Works this weekend, you might have seen the super long lines with holiday shoppers taking advantage of its amazing annual Holiday sale featuring $10 candles that normally sell for close to $30.
Actually, you might have been in that line.
According to reports, the beauty, skin and body essentials company sold out of its online offerings forcing customers to have to visit the retail stores to get the deal.
Because we are still in the year of the death of George Floyd which triggered a renewed interest in elevating, promoting and recognizing, finally, black-owned businesses, the sold out situation presents an excellent opportuntiy to once again consider candle brands and companies that are among the group of biz owners that are traditionally undercapitalized, under appreciated, under represented.
As such, I compiled a list of over 48 black-owned candle makers for you to consider patronizing this year.
Some of these brands overlap with companies that Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, Cosmo, NY Mag, The Zoe Report, 21 Ninety and Elle magazines put in their profiles of Black-Owned Candle makers this Summer and Early Fall back when it was quite fashionable and en vogue to spotlight Black makers in the US, Canada, the UK and globally.
Let’s keep up the energy.
About the Candle Makers
I did take a cursory review of many of the companies. I only shared an image from their Instagram page for convenience and to quickly put this post together.
However, you can access a link to their websites to purchase and you will see who makes their candles in their homes in small batches, who actually delivers locally, who sells at upcoming craft fairs, virtual and in person, and who delivers beyond their country’s borders.
Some, like the ones featured in the major fashion magazines this past Summer and Fall, have appeared on Oprah’s annual Favorite things list.
More Reasons to Support
And don’t think because they are small that the candles will be expensive. Some start at just $5 and others are luxury priced but worth it.
Also, for people who are mindful of essential oils that can be toxic to burn, and allergies to materials in many candles, quite a few of these brands are careful about using toxic dyes, perfumes and other allergenic materials.
They hand pour.
They test.
They scale.
Here is a compilation of Black-owned candle makers in the US and Canada for you to consider patronizing this year.
They come recommended by some of the 38K members of Arsha Jones’ Build, Brand and Launch Facebook group.
I’ll add more as I discover them and I will update this post with local cities where this makers are currently located.
The companies are listed in random order and not by order of rank and I have reviewed none personally yet but did not want that to stop this list from getting out there especially this weekend.
1. Jadore Candles
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA
2. Well Lit Candles
UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND
3. Simply Scents by Shan
HOUSTON, TEXAS
4. Alchemy Bliss
5. Black Girl Candle Company
North Carolina
6. Pure Candle House
Chicago, Illinois
7. Len McCaddy Home Candle and Co
Atlanta, Georgia
8. Common Scents
Savannah, Georgia
9. Amajai Home
Randallstown, Maryland
10. Nautana
Atlanta Georgia
11. Lufrays
Cedar Park, Texas
12. Elixir
13. Wicks And Shit
Gwinnett, Georgia
14. Cozy Wicks
Owings Mills, Maryland
15. South Florida Candle Supply
North Lauderdale, Florida
16. Adesuwu Botanicals
Lithonia, Georgia
17. Sola In the City
Baltimore, Maryland
18. Deese Noire
Buckhead Atlanta, Georgia
19. Gavin Lux
Los Angeles, California
20. Be Speak Candle Co
Sacramento, California
21. Alexandra Winbush
Atlanta, George
22. Chaos Candle Company
23. Lit Unity Candle
24. Wick’d by Nik
25. Camiller Creations
26. Elon Eick Candle Co
27. Breathe Enlight
28. Lit AF Candle Co
29. Forvr Mood
30. 2-10 Candle Company
Oakland Park, Kansas
31. Rooftop Candle Co
32. Quiet Quarters
33. Heavenly Candle Co
34. Posh Candle Co
35. CC Holistic Living
36. So Lit Candle Co
37. Candle Essentials
38. Bonaco Candles
39. Just Candles
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
40. The Jetsetter Candle Co
41. Naughty Naturals World
42. Her by Kashay
43. Simply By Toni
44. Krazy Essentials
45. Liliane’s Glow
Washington, DC
46. Experience of Luxe
47. Diary of Queen Esther
48. Shai Sensual
49. Harlem Candle Company
Harlem, New York
50. MĀKTUB Candles
Los Angeles, California
51. Uplift Candles
Hyattsville, Maryland
52. South FL Candle Supply Company
Broward County, Florida
53. Wicktrovert Candle Co
St. Petersburg, Florida
54. Diamond Life Home
Georgia
55. Willow St. Design Company
Washington, DC
56. Elevated Scentz
Houston, Texas
57. Arrows + Feathers
Mitchellville, Maryland
58. 6ixs Wicks
Toronto, Canada
59. Ivy Mae Blake
Toronto, Canada
60. Bright Black Candle
Durham, North Carolina
61. Peace and Harmony Brands
62. Knits, soy and metal
Baltimore, Maryland
63. Twelve 21 Candle Company
Brooklyn, New York
64. Narii Nicole
Fairburn, Georgia
65. Wix & Wax Fanatic
Orlando, Florida
66. Wyk Candles Zoo
Kalamazoo, Michigan
67. Amor Mas Luxury Scents
Wallingford, Connecticut
68. Lamar Denom
69. B Calm Candles
Brockton, Massachussetts
70. Southern Elegance Candle Company
Raeford, North Carolina
71. Elevation Lifestyle
Camp Springs, Maryland
72. By District 78
Pause Cincinnati, Ohio
73. Tribal Unicorn
East London, UK
74. Frères Branchiaux Candle Co.
White Plains, Maryland
75. Damalia’s Soy Candles and Body Bar
Hartford, Connecticut
