Bridgeport Business Shows You How To Make Candles

BRIDGEPORT, CT — For Annie White, owner of the candle-making company Natural Annie's Essentials in Bridgeport, making fragrant candles was not what she initially thought she would be doing.

"I started out in 2015 making natural skincare products inspired by my daughter, who had a skin condition," White recently told Patch. "My customers loved the scents, and wanted them in candles, so in 2018, we went all-in on making and selling candles."

The company started out as a web-based business and has grown steadily. Like a lot of online businesses, it saw a huge jump in sales during the pandemic, as shut-in customers sought the soothing aromas the candles give off.

"In 2020, we sold over 200,000 candles, direct-to-consumer and business-to-business," White said. "That's not a typical year, usually we sell about half as many."

The fragrances from Natural Annie's Essentials candles are inspired by the islands of the Caribbean, such as Citrus Bliss, Island Vibes and Pineapple Ginger, which are popular during warmer months.

During colder months, Brown Sugar Rum and Nag Champa are among the popular scents.

Larger 9-ounce candles sell for $28 each, while smaller 4-ounce candles sell for $17.

The company's success online led White to move the business from her home into a 2,000-square-foot studio space in Bridgeport's old Salvation Army building on Connecticut Avenue, where she began hosting candle-making events in January 2022.

Sessions are on weekends and last 90 minutes. They have become popular events for girls' nights out, corporate team-building, birthdays and holidays, such as Mother's Day.

Wax is melted in two large vats, and patrons blend in their favorite scent. The candles set in about half an hour. The events are festive, and patrons can bring their own beverage of choice.

In addition to Mother's Day in May, Natural Annie's Essentials is also hosting a "4/20" event (featured scent: Ganja).

For more information, visit the Natural Annie's Essentials website.