All candles are not created equally-My obsession with beeswax candles

I was a candle fanatic. I purchased from the "big box" stores and the stronger the trademark scent, the better. After many years of using these candles I learned that paraffin candles paired with artificial fragrances did not play well with my allergies, asthma, and daily headaches. I thought the only solution was to eliminate candles and scents completely from my environment and I did that for about ten years.

Fast forward to about 3 1/2 years ago. We were in the middle of a pandemic, I was working remotely, and decided to be productive and use my newly eliminated commute time to take some online courses. I spent a little over a year becoming a certified aromatherapist/essential oil specialist. I learned about beeswax and all of its benefits in one of the earlier lessons and instantly became obsessed. I read books (outside of my coursework) and decided to write my research paper on Bees and Beeswax out of pure respect for these very special insects and this beautiful product they create. Fun fact. It takes approximately eight (8) pounds of honey to make one (1) pound of beeswax. Those female worker bees are no joke. 

I have spent the last few years working with beeswax in different applications and appreciate everything it brings to the table. I've gotten off topic, back to candles. I currently offer tealights and wax melts because 100% of the beeswax gets used in both instances. I have tested container candles and the amount of essential oil needed for them is fairly substantial and I can't justify using that much of it simply for a candle. I finally have a new candle option, votive candles. My votives are containerless candles (I do offer a glass votive holder online), will offer approximately 10-12 hours of burn time (I'm testing that as I write this blog), and will burn brightly just like the tealights. Most importantly, there are zero toxins released into the air so folks like me can enjoy candles again. 

Personally I think It's important to explain why beeswax candles are more expensive than others. Good quality beeswax (know your beekeepers) averages $11-$15 per pound, Soy Wax (a better alternative to paraffin) is much less expensive at $3-$4 per pound and Paraffin Wax $2-$3 per pound. The same goes for essential oils vs. synthetic fragrance, they simply costs a lot more. Beeswax is more dense, has a higher melting point, and burns more slowly. That being said, my candles that have essential oils contain organic coconut oil. I have an 75% beeswax 25% organic coconut oil blend for my essential oil scented candles. After years of personally testing, adding some organic coconut oil "chills out" the beeswax and allows the essential oils to disperse throughout the candle better. My unscented candles are 100% beeswax and have a sweet honey scent all on their own (my personal favorite). 

I create these votive candles in batches of three (3) and hand wrap each one in individual eco-friendly packaging because I want my customers to know how near and dear to my heart these candles are. If you enjoy a strongly scented candle, these candles are not for you, try my diffuser blend instead.  If you are scent sensitive and enjoy a subtly scented candle, try my votives.