Local News - December 2003

Candle shop makes ‘cents’ for Denver businesswoman

By AMY WADSWORTH, Staff Writer

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Scents of hot baked apple pie, cinnamon spice and baked cake drift through the candle shop.

Shelves are stacked with numerous smells to choose from – everything from cotton candy to cola to bacon. There is also a candle called “sinus relief” to help those with a stuffy nose.

There are smelly teddy bears, called “aroma buddies,” lined on the floor, each having been dipped in a  different scented wax. The scent of the wax lasts from six months to a year.

Candle Buddies candle shop in Denver has other unique scents, include buttered popcorn and campfire smoke.

The shop specializes in soy wax type candles, rather than the more popular gel type.

“I don’t like the way gel candles burn,” said owner, Terri Corneau. “Soy wax is a lot cleaner and healthier and burns longer.”

The business was something that Corneau started online, through her Web site candlebuddies.com in January of 2003. Corneau said she did a large amount of research and experimenting with candles in order for her sales to take off. Before long, Corneau was finding that opening a business in Denver would be fun.

“There are no gift stores in Denver,” she said.

Corneau opened the store located on N.C. 16 in September. Her sister, Valerie Rhoton and Valerie’s sister-in-law, Darlene Kriss all run the store together. Corneau’s son’s girlfriend, Amy Hatchcock also helps out.

She likes having members of her family working in the business with her.

“We can all trust one another,” Corneau said. “And this way we can also keep it a secret how me make them.”

So far, Corneau said there has been a large response with her candle making.

“People love the way they look and burn,” she said.

The store has 200 scents available and has access to 300.

Corneau said the most popular scents are voodoo love and fresh squeezed oranges.

Corneau said her family has always been crafty.

“I love candles,” she said. “They are so much fun to make and everyone loves candles.”

In the future, Corneau hopes to expand her business.

She is going to start making soaps and perfume sticks.

Candles are offered in a variety of different sizes. The 26 ounce candle burns for 170 to 190 hours, the 4 ounce, 35 to 40 hours.

The store was swamped at Christmas and now the staff is gearing up for Valentine’s Day.

They are dipping silk roses in different scents. There are also many Valentine critters to choose from.

“Once one holiday is over we are on to the next one,” Corneau said.

For more information go to www.candlebuddies.com or call 704-489-1212.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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