Chic Spotlight: The Candle-lite Company
As a local candle making company celebrates over 170 years in business, we chat with them about what lights their flame. Read on for more!
Cincy Chic: What is Candle-lite?
Cynthia Speight, Senior Marketing Manager at Candle-lite Company: Candle-lite, a Cincinnati born company, is a world leader in the home fragrance category; creating and marketing high quality candle and fragrance products available at Kroger, Meijer, Rite Aid etc. Our headquarters are based in Blue Ash and our manufacturing and distribution are located in Leesburg, OH.
Cincy Chic: What’s the inspiration behind the Candle-lite Company?
Speight: The legacy of quality, value, service and innovation that were established by our founder, Thomas Emery in 1840, hold true today.
Cincy Chic: Who’s behind the company?
Speight: In 2016, Candle-lite Company merged with PartyLite, the world’s leading home décor and fragrance direct selling company, to create Luminex Home Décor & Fragrance Company under CEO Calvin Johnston. Candle-lite, through this partnership, now has the opportunity to reach more consumers and fragrance enthusiasts than any other company through the strong brand recognition and connections of both businesses.
Cincy Chic: When did the company launch?
Speight: Candle-lite began in 1840 as the Emery Lard Oil and Candle Company established by Thomas Emery. It was a family owned business until 1952 when the candle company was sold, the named changed to Candle-lite and manufacturing moved to Leesburg Ohio. The company has been in continuous operation since 1840, making Candle-lite the longest operating candle maker in America. The original foundry’s walls were unearthed during The Banks construction.
Cincy Chic: What makes Candle-lite unique?
Speight: Candle-lite is unique in that we focus our attention on the future of our business while at the same time we are passionate about our heritage. We celebrated our 175th anniversary in 2015!
Robust Innovation – Including one of the first to mass – produce candles to leading the Industry in advancements ensuring the safety of candles
Consumer Insights – in 2016 we listened to 8452 consumer voices through focus groups. (We do recruit local fragrance enthusiasts to provide insight on fragrances and product concepts!)
Tenured employees with a dedicated work ethic that are experienced and care about the tradition of candle making
Cincy Chic: What types of products can we find from Candle-lite?
Speight: Candles and fragrance products that complement home décor while providing a quality fragrance experience. Our candle products include filled glass, votives, tea lights and pillars. Our scents are sourced from premiere international fragrance houses. Our home décor and fragrance products are sold in major food, drug, and mass retailers under the Candle-lite Company and Essential Elements brands.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon in 2017?
Speight: Absolutely! Our newest products provide a mess free, clean and natural way to fragrance a space. Essential Elements Scent Bursts warmer refills are made of natural paper infused with essential oils and pure fragrance. Essential Elements Scent Sticks are also natural paper infused with essential oils designed to set in a holder and deliver fragrance for over 30 days. Both can be found at your local Kroger, Meijer and Rite Aid stores.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more?
Speight: Visit our website at http://www.candle-lite.com/. We’re also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
