"DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND THE MONEY WILL FOLLOW..."

  Reading this book by Marsha Sinetar inspired Paul Aldrich to do what he loved, and not worry about the money.  An entrepreneur and self-described 'start-up addict,' Paul turned his candle-making hobby into a thriving, successful business, the old-fashioned way --- through lots of hard work and initiative.

Paul remembers being a teenager in the 1970's, melting his mother's leftover canning paraffin, pouring it into milk cartons, and making candles. In 1993, while unemployed and looking to fill a void, he resumed this hobby of making candles. Paul was already spending a lot of his free time at the local library so he decided to put that time to good use researching the complexities behind the art of candle-making.

It wasn't long before family and friends began offering suggestions for fragrances and asking Paul to create candles for their personal use, or to present as gifts.  Village Candle was born when, on vacation in Pennsylvania, the car laden with candles for his family they were going to visit, Paul stopped at a candle shop along the way. Quite by accident, this store enthusiastically placed the first of what would turn out to be many, many orders from them, as well as thousands of other retail stores.

"HANDMADE IN MAINE"
  This is Village Candle's proud logo, and it really means something.  Over a century ago the state of Maine was acclaimed for its excellent craftsmanship in several industries, notably shipbuilding. The appeal of that reputation still exists today, and businesses in Maine strive to continue the heritage, and achieve that tradition of excellence.  Village Candle is no exception.

Our candles are handcrafted under strict quality control using only the most refined wax, the richest colors and the finest fragrance oils.  Our packaging is singularly unique.  The heavy, square, glass jar -- our signature item -- is useful even after the candle has been consumed.  Our techniques to produce "marbling" give particular character and distinction to each and every candle. Every day that we make candles, Village Candle is working to meet the challenge and responsibility of this tremendous honor of being identified with the quality products that are synonymous with Maine.

"HOME SWEET HOME"
  In 1998, Village Candle moved into its very own "home" -- a 73,000 square foot space with a custom-built factory -- to continue making the candles for which it has become renowned.  Did Paul ever imagine that from such humble beginnings during 1993, at a two-burner stove in his kitchen at home in Topsham, Village Candle would so rapidly outgrow not just one, but two factories?

Paul likes to tease that in 1994, his wife, Sally, kicked his candle-making operation out of the house.  However, he credits Sally's support and encouragement over the years for much of the success of the business.

Village Candle outgrew its first official home at Yarmouth's Sparhawk Mill in 1996 when we relocated to Brunswick's Fort Andross.  And now we are back to our "roots" in Topsham.

"CANDLES CAN MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE..."
  Twelve year-old Krystle Aldrich was overheard saying this to her friend, Melissa, while visiting her father's factory after school.  Everyone who is part of the Village Candle family believes this, and the feedback we receive from those who purchase our candles compels us to think that they believe this too.