YES, obviously we just rewatched the episode of The Office where Jan shows off her Serenity by Jan line of candles, but we were obsessed with candles way before that. And now that we’re all spending a lot more time at home, there’s never been a better time to fill our spaces with warm, locally created candles.
So here are five Indianapolis made-from-almost-literal-love candle companies to give you an almost endless selection of fragrances. And don’t worry: Many of them you can buy online.
Ollivene Candle Co.
This new candle company was started by best friends Emily Henson and Janelle George in October. There’s no storefront, but you can buy candles on their website or at one of their workshops.
Where to find them: At www.ollivene.com or at one of their upcoming workshops at ollivene.eventbrite.com—once workshops are happening again.
What makes them unique: Henson said it’s Ollivene’s variety of options—from scents to mix & match, to the vessels—that sets this new company apart.
Abboo Candle Co.
Okay, so Abboo Candle Co.’s candles aren’t made in Indianapolis, but this Fortville, Ind.-based candle company isn’t that far away and their uniquely scented soy candles make them a must for this list. With interesting fragrance combinations like “tobacco and caramel” and “black pepper and bergamot,” your house will instantly smell slightly more sophisticated than it did before you lit one of these.
Where to find them: At www.abboocandleco.com or various nearby markets.
What makes them unique: This three-year-old shop donates a portion of each sale from its “sunshine and grace” candle to dog shelters and rescues in honor of the owner’s dog, who died of cancer in 2018.
Penn & Beech Candle Co.
Penn & Beech has more than 100 fragrances. No, that’s not a typo: One. Hun. Dred. You can buy each individually, sure, but the fun comes in when you’re able to mix and match these pure scents to create your perfect aroma.
Where to find them: At their downtown shop at 747 College Ave. or online at www.pennandbeech.com.
What makes them unique: You can reserve the shop for your next party — just as soon as we’re able to be more social again.
TLC Candle Co.
Like many of the companies above, TLC is on the newer side — just two years old. TLC candles not only smell great, but they’re beautiful pieces of decor you’d be proud to showcase in your home.
Where to find them: At www.tlccandleco.com.
What makes them unique: Their vessels. These two-wick candles come in black or white vessels with TLC’s minimalist logo or three-wick, one-pound candles in a solid cement vessel.
Broad Ripple Candle Co.
The small-batch soy candles come in 5-ounce or 10-ounce tins with handwritten labels, and reviewers tout their clean-burning scents without being too over-fragranced.
Where to find them: At www.broadripplecandle.com or JP Parker Flowers, 801 S. Meridian St.
What makes them unique: It’s likely this library-scented candle, which is described as “notes of leather, mahogany, and the sweet aroma of aging paper.” Consider us sold.
Amy Bartner is a regular Indy Maven contributor and devoted candle enthusiast.
