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I've been obsessed with candles for as long as I can remember. In 2016, I attempted to recreate the beeswax lanterns I'd purchased at a market. It was an epic failure, to put it mildly. So, I decided to start a little simpler and bought a candle-making kit instead.
For the next few years, I made candles for our home off and on, never imagining that this little hobby would one day become my business. Back then, I knew very little about wick sizing, wax blends, or the importance of understanding the ingredients that go into a candle. I simply loved candles and the warmth and comfort they brought to a space.
Then came 2020.
I'd spent years pursuing another creative dream: becoming a published novelist. After receiving several full manuscript requests from literary agents, I felt closer than ever to seeing that dream become a reality. But as the world changed and the publishing landscape shifted, that journey took an unexpectedly difficult turn. The uncertainty and disappointment weighed heavily on me during an already challenging season.
Somewhere in the middle of it all, I remembered how peaceful I'd felt making candles. I bought another kit, rolled up my sleeves, and began exploring candle making with a new sense of purpose. What started as a way to find a little calm became something I wanted to pursue more seriously. I dove into research, learned everything I could about wax blends and wick selection, and discovered just how much thought goes into creating a quality candle.
I also discovered that not all candles are created with the same ingredients or standards. I wanted to do things differently.
During the nearly year-long process of testing and refining my candles, my husband and I stopped purchasing candles from large retailers and began burning only the candles I made. We noticed that our frequent headaches became much less common, and my husband's allergies improved significantly. While everyone's experience is different, that change reinforced my desire to be intentional about the ingredients and materials I use.
In 2021, Wicking It Up Candle Co. was born.
From the beginning, my goal has been simple: to create beautiful, thoughtfully crafted candles that bring warmth and comfort into your home, without compromising on the ingredients and materials I choose.
We hand-pour our candles in small batches in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, using a custom blend of vegan coconut-soy wax, high-quality fragrance oils, and wooden wicks sourced from FSC-certified mills. Our products are dye-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. I carefully consider every part of the candle-making process because I believe the little details matter.
As a lover of books, creative writing, and a cozy home, I naturally gravitated toward creating collections for people who share those passions. Whether you're settling in with a good book, making space for your next creative project, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, I hope there's a Wicking It Up candle that feels like it was made just for you.
Creating something I love is only part of the story. I also want Wicking It Up Candle Co. to make a meaningful difference beyond the homes our candles become part of.
Each quarter, we donate a portion of our profits to nonprofit organizations working to end human trafficking and organizations dedicated to literacy and expanding access to books. These causes are especially meaningful to me because I believe in the importance of both helping people find freedom and opportunity and making sure stories, language, and the joy of reading remain accessible to everyone.
Our business may be small, but I believe small acts of generosity can add up to something meaningful. We rotate our donations among five organizations whose missions align with these values. You can learn more about the organizations we support and our giving efforts on our Donations page.
Wicking It Up Candle Co. began during a difficult chapter of my life, but it has grown into something that brings me so much joy. It has given me a new creative outlet, a way to connect with people who share my love of books and cozy spaces, and an opportunity to give back to causes close to my heart.
I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to support my small business. Whether you've been here since the beginning or just discovered us, thank you for allowing my creations to become part of your home, your quiet moments, and your everyday rituals.
I'm so glad you're here.
Warmly,
Ranee
Founder & Maker, Wicking It Up Candle Co.