The flick of lighter or scratch of a match is all it takes to elicit the aromas of rosewood and amber, cedar and lavender, “flannel weather” and more from Oak Wick Candle Co.’s hand-poured candles and wax melts.

What began as a creative outlet, born from a love for making with her own hands, has grown into something far more than she could have imagined, Oak Wick Candle Co. founder Shelby Keller shared.

Countless hours of trial-and-error learning, determination and a quiet passion for bringing warmth into a home have continued to guide Shelby’s small business over the past five years. At its heart, though, it’s the person-to-person moments that continue making her efforts worthwhile – and her gratitude for small business shoppers ever-growing.

“BEHIND EVERY SMALL BUSINESS IS A REAL PERSON, A FAMILY, AND A STORY.” –SHELBY KELLER, OAK WICK CANDLE CO.

“We live in a world where we're more connected than ever, yet sometimes those meaningful, personal connections get lost along the way,” she said. “What I believe truly sets Oak Wick apart is the genuine connection I’ve built with my customers and followers.”

Be it in-person interactions country-crossing packages, each Oak Wick candle arrives to its new home from this Eau Claire artisan; handcrafted in small batches using premium coconut apricot wax, curated fragrances and poured into reusable glass jars.

“Behind every small business is a real person, a family, and a story,” she shared. “My hope is that every candle brings a little warmth, comfort, and happiness in the homes of those who support my small business.”

ECO-CONSCIOUS COMFORT

"The warmth of a candle burning on a quiet evening, a familiar fragrance that brings back a memory, or simply slowing down to enjoy the moment." Those are the feelings Eau Claire artisan Shelby Keller hopes Oak Wick Candle Co. goods offer to customers near and far.

Shop Oak Wick Candle Co. ($5-$16+/item) in person at The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire) or on its official Etsy page. Keep up with Shelby Keller's business on Oak Wick's social medias.