Evergreen candleworks has a surprising crossover product

July 6, 1:21 AMHome and Living ExaminerAndrea Campbell

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I didn't think there was much that could make me want to write about candles in the summer. But, Linda Stuart, proprietor Evergreen Candleworks found a way to change my mind. I'm glad to have her here today to answer some questions and perhaps turn you on to an interesting product.

Evergreen Candleworks, based in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, manufacturer’s all-natural soy candles that eliminate the use of a petroleum base that release harmful carcinogens in the air and replace with all-natural candles.

Q.: Linda, Home and Living Readers would like to know a little about you, and your company.

A.: I am a single mom with two children, ages 15 and 18 and I am driven to make this business a success. I am a biochemist and a nutritionist that has always had a passion for creating. The scientific side of me helped with the formulation of the skin softening Silky Soy and the mixing and testing of the Alpineglow candles so they burn perfectly. The creative side of me has developed a distinctive & elegant line of container candles that look very different from the usual candle jar.

Q.: Did I see that this a family-owned business? What about that and how is it working out?

A.: At Evergreen Candleworks, and we make soy candles by hand, sell at local art fairs, attend trade shows to market our candles to shops all over the US and then we ship to all those shops and individuals. I do this work with my boyfriend Dan who helps me tirelessly for free and my teenage employees who are all family members, my two “stepsons” Skyler and Forest, my own son Dawson and daughter Keira, and Sadie (my son’s girlfriend). It has worked out well to employ my children as you get to know them at a different level and they are all hard and consciensous workers so I am always pleased with the job they do.

Q.: Your candles burn the cleanest of any soy candles I’ve tried, why is that?

A.: Less is more! We use organically grown non-GMO soy and only add botanically based aroma oil and nothing else. We do not color the wax because all commercial colors are made from oil-based paraffin which would cause the wax to burn less clean.

Q.: How in the world did you come up with a candle outfit that softens the skin?

A.: People must have thought it was a crazy idea, telling people to dip into the warm wax! It started because we noticed whenever we were pouring candles our hands were very soft and silky because of the immersion in the soy wax. We wanted to make a candle that would do this for our customers so we use a skin-safe aroma and add shea butter for more moisturizing plus healing and antioxidant properties. We came up with the moisturizing bar for our customers who wanted the convenience to take it with them or put it on their desk or by the bed to use all the time.

Q.: What about your shop? (or factory, or gallery) how is it set up?

A.: I work out of my home to conserve energy, keep costs down, and, of course, be near my children. Evergreen Candleworks consists of one room and a one-car garage, which is the entire lower level of my small 1100 sq ft home. We have to be very stream-lined to work in such a small space and of course like each other a lot!

Q.: Who designed the lovely script on your labels?

A.: The labels were designed by a graphic designer (Shelly Houston) who co-owns the local print shop with her husband. They also do the printing for the labels. I try to do as much locally as possible.

Q.: Where can customers find your products?

A.: All over the US and Canada. If you go to Evergreencandleworks.com and click on store locator (bottom left on the home page) it will pull up a map of the US with all our retailers.

Q.: Is there anything else you would like to tell Home and Living Readers?

A.: Our philosophy is to strive to make candles that are healthier for people and better for the environment. We use soy wax because it burns with no carcinogens and it is made from a renewable resource grown by US farmers. Once anyone tries our Silky Soy or Alpineglow candles they LOVE them! People tell us all the time how it is the best candle they have ever tried and people who usually have trouble with aromas bothering them have no problem with ours.