When is a candle more than a candle?

Lance McBrayer, the founder of CandleLux in Boston, believes that the natural soy wax candles his company makes represent a catalyst for social interaction, from corporate team building to bridal showers, gender reveals and retirement parties.

Born out of the COVID pandemic, CandleLux has become a location for fundraising gatherings, bachelorette parties, wellness events and for people simply looking for a relaxing opportunity to make something beautiful.

McBrayer spent nearly three decades as an accomplished hair stylist before transitioning in 2020 to crafting all-natural bath and body products. The products were intended to complement holistic self-care routines for people who wanted to prioritize their body, mind and spirit during the pandemic lockdown.

Driven by his wife Tammi’s sensitivity to artificial fragrances and chemicals, McBrayer began to create natural soy wax candles infused with pure essential oils. He transformed his kitchen into a workshop to ensure his products met stringent health standards.

He sought from the beginning to distinguish his candle line aesthetically. Drawing on his creativity and a penchant for nature, he adorned the candles with crystals, botanicals, herbs, and gemstones.

The second major step forward for the company came in 2022 when CandleLux introduced  CNDL BAR (candle bar), which allowed patrons to craft custom-scented candles adorned with self-selected embellishments. The company has since extended its offerings with mobile options for candle pouring parties.

“Our mission at CandleLux is to provide high-quality, all-natural soy wax candles that promote self-care and intention setting. We believe that every individual has the power to create positive change in their lives, and our candles are designed to help facilitate this process,” the company says.

“In addition to our candles, we also offer candle-making events that bring people together to share in the experience of creating something beautiful and meaningful. Through these events, we aim to foster a sense of community and connection that supports personal growth and progress.”

Making candles has turned out to be a popular draw for corporate events.

“We attended a private office candle-making event for a company outing and the experience exceeded my expectations! They only use essential oils and fragrances that have been tested to be safe for those with fragrance allergies and sensitivities. They take pride in using natural products wherever possible. I didn’t have any adverse reactions,” said Ana Gordon in a statement on the CandleLux web site.