The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
‘ONE CANDLE AT A TIME’
Business emerges from woman’s hobby, specializes in quality, homemade candles
An Elyria business is looking to carve its own niche in the candle-making industry by focusing on offering quality and a homemade touch.
Shine Bright Candles, owned and operated by Malekia Ford from her 311 5th St. home, is a business she started because of her passion for candles.
“I originally just started last year in March,” Ford said. “I put it on hold for a time, and I relaunched in July.
“It was just a hobby. People started to ask if I could make some for them, so I decided to turn it into a business. I love candles because they relax me; they help with stress levels.
“That was the original reason why, and then it became a business,” she said.
“I only sell candles I would buy myself. It’s about that care and attention to detail for me.”
— Malekia Ford, owner of Shine Bright Candles in Elyria
Ford said her business focuses on a rotation of seasonal scents.
“I do a few fragrances at a time,” she said. “I have my fall season ones now. Those fragrances include Pumpkin and Crum and Apple and Maple Bourbon, just to name a couple.
“The fragrances really get you in the mood for the season. I also offer custom keepsake candles for people. It is basically a candle with a custom design/picture on it. I can have any image applied to a candle; there is no limit.”
Ford said it initially was difficult starting the business, but things have been going very well.
“It’s been stressful, but worth it,” she said. “I thought it would be a lot easier to make a lot of candles, but it is a science.
“You need the right containers and amount of wax. You have to have the right amount of oils on there. You need the right room temperature and the right containers.”
Ford said she focuses on quality with her candles, and that includes the coloring.
“The soy wax, it tends to crystallize and go back to its original color,” she said. “Some of them will frost if not heated and prepared properly.
“So, I might be doing a seasonal candle that I dyed a different color to make it represent the scent it gives off. If not done properly, part of that candle could have a big white spot. It would still give off the right scent and burn fine, but that is a defective product for me. I wouldn’t sell it.
“I only sell candles I would buy myself. It’s about that care and attention to detail for me.”
Ford said the benefit of buying candles from her is the detail that goes into each one.
“It’s something I want to do,” she said. “I take my time and want it to be right for my customers.
“It’s one candle at a time. Each candle can burn for up to 20 hours.”