Fireside + Fraser Fir Candle from Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co. Photo: Rachel Lahlum Photography
A candle maker turns a hobby into a thriving business.
For as long as she can remember, Heather Joslin has been drawn to crafting. From making candy suckers in molds to hand-pouring soy candles, Joslin is a true crafter at heart. During COVID-19, Joslin dove back into her favorite hobbies, including candle making, to give as birthday and Christmas presents. Family and friends were thrilled and encouraged her to start her own candle business. In October 2020, the Cottage Grove resident launched Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co. Her hand-poured, 100 percent soy candles can be found locally at La Vie Est Belle and Pet Evolution. “I’d like to think my business background helped me take it from a hobby to something else,” Joslin says.
The name Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co. is a nod to Joslin’s tendency to do as much as humanly possible all at one time. In this case, it was starting a candle business while raising her children, Jackson, 16, Julia, 15, William, 11 and Evelyn, 9, and holding down a full-time corporate job. These days, she has scaled back, leaving the corporate world to focus on her family and her candles. But with more than 75 scents and counting, Joslin stays busy. “There’s something for everyone,” she says. “I add a few new scents every season and rotate.”
When it comes to holiday offerings, Joslin starts thinking about new winter scents in spring. By June, production has started, and stock is building. Joslin also keeps a list of ideas for new candle scents to try. “It’s all about figuring out how to make something really good first,” she says. Joslin develops a recipe for each candle scent and tests it thoroughly before adding it to her lineup. During the holidays, her favorite scent is White Birch, while her best seller is Fireside + Fraser Fir. “They’re very realistic,” she says. The Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co. collection is widely varied and includes classic scents alongside creative offerings like Black Currant Absinthe, Honey Spiced Pear, Patchouli Lavender and Salty Girl. “I want unique and different scents,” she says. “I try to have a good variety.”
In addition to candles in 7 oz. tins and 10 oz. jars, Joslin offers dough bowls that include a refillable, multiwicked candle in a decorative vessel. “It’s great for décor or to burn,” she says. Joslin also has campfire mugs that can be reused after the candle is done.
And for those interested in learning the art of candle making, Joslin is happy to help others find and develop their own passion for candles. She regularly hosts candle-making classes where participants can create their own signature scent. “It’s a great way for people to meet other people while creating their masterpiece,” she says.
Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co.
Facebook: Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co.
