Haddam Small Business Spotlight: CT River Candles

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: CT River Candles
Owners: Brenda Hunter
Website: www.ctrivercandles.com
Address: Candle Workshop: 1184 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT 06438

How did you come up with the name?

In 2007, we had just moved to a new home and it’s located on the Connecticut River. Shortly thereafter I was researching the art of making soy candles for my own enjoyment. My husband and I love to boat and take photos on the river. After making my first candle, I created a label with one of those photos and then named CT River Candles as the heading. The rest is history.

Why start a business in this town?

Haddam is such a great American small town with lots of history and manufacturing in its background. While our business is home based, it still fits great with what Haddam stands for.

What business are you in?

Soy Candle Manufacturer

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

I would say getting the word out about our business. We actively participate in social media and have a very functioning website where we sell our products. Additionally our candles are carried in a variety of retail stores however advertising and the cost of it, is often difficult to utilize as much as needed.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

How far our small home based business has grown over the years. We have made soy candles for some pretty big and well known companies over the years and even sent our candles to some celebrities. However, the most rewarding part is hearing back from our customers. It makes my day, when someone says what a great product we have and we are now “their candle brand.”

How does your business give back to the community?

We have partnered with The Compassionate Friends Organization. It was a very personal choice for me because I turned to them after losing my first child in a tragic accident. Beginning in 2015, a portion of all sales are donated to TCF. We also participate in fundraisers, the most recent being the Jane Doe No More Organization.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.