An Edgecomb based business, Seawicks Candle Company, promises to bring nostalgia inspired, handmade scented candles to the masses. Only a month old, Seawicks candles can be found at five local businesses and shipped nationwide.
Seawicks began as an idea six years ago. Cara Gaffney, who co-owns the business with her husband Michael, said that the couple wanted to start their business without having to take out loans to keep themselves afloat.
The Gaffney’s handmake their candles from a workshop next to their home, a residence once owned by well-known cookbook writer Lily H. Wallace. According to Gaffney, the workshop was converted from an old boathouse.
“We saw its potential, but it was rough,” Gaffney said of the conversion process. The boathouse was finally changed over in February.
In its first month of business, Seawicks has introduced six different fragrances, each one sparked by a particular memory of Maine. One, “Summer Cocktail,” which smells reminiscent of a gin and tonic, draws its inspiration from Gaffney’s frequent trips to Squirrel Island with her family, where they have owned a cottage since 1927. During the summers, her family would have late afternoon happy hours on the cottage’s front porch.
“We have very nostalgic memories of Maine,” Gaffney said.
Another, “Salt Water Farm,” is inspired by vacations to the New England coast.
“We’ve always loved the ocean,” Gaffney said.
It is for this reason, Gaffney said, 50 cents, of each candle sale goes toward coastal conservation projects.
Seawicks plans to introduce four more fragrances for the winter season, including “Sunday Morning,” which smells of maple and brown sugar, and “Coming Home,” which gives off the aroma of ginger cookies.
They plan on releasing new candles each season, Gaffney said.
For spring, Gaffney said she intended to create the perfect Maine blueberry fragrance.
“Nobody has an honest smelling blueberry,” she said.
Michael Gaffney handcrafts around 25 candles per night, using aromatics he and Cara handpicked. While Michael works creating the candles, Cara serves as the face of the new company while she raises the couple’s sons Finn, 5, and Ross, 3.
Each candle is 9 ounces and lasts over 60 hours with proper wick trimming, Gaffney said.
They are also looking into making small, tin sized candles, she said.
Seawicks candles can be purchased at five Midcoast shops, Archipelago in Rockland, Beach Inspiration in Lincolnville, Casual Interiors in Boothbay Harbor, Nest in Brunswick, and Ornament in Bath.
Orders can also be made online from anywhere in the country at www.seawicks.com. Purchases of two or more candles receive free shipping.
For more information, call 504-6212, check Seawicks out on Facebook, or send an email to michael@seawicks.com.
