Our Story
All Aboard the Scent Express!
Candle Express started in a small back room of my grandma's shop in Watkins, Minnesota, while I was in college. I couldn't find candles that were affordable, clean-burning, and still felt like home so I decided to make them myself.
A few spilled jars and plenty of late night later, Candle Express was born. Today, my girlfriend and I run the business from the basement of our home, after giving it a refresh in April 2025 with new scents, a new look, and the same focus on comfort and craft.
Meet the Team
I (Grant) handle production, sales, finances, and our website and you'll usually find me behind the booth at our craft and vendor shows across Minnesota. I love meeting customer face-to-face, sharing our story, and seeing people discover their new favorite scent for the first time.
Taryn brings her creativity and organization to Candle Express, running our social media, customer engagement, and lending a steady hand in production. She keeps us connected to our customers and ensures every order, post, name, and pour feels personal.
And then there's Tater, our Doberman/Australian Shepard mix we rescued in November 2024. He's our shop supervisor, quality inspector, and occasional candle critic, always nearby with his nose in the action.
Why Soy & Wood Wicks
We use soy wax because it burns cleaner, lasts longer, and doesn’t release harmful pollutants making it safer for your home and better for the environment. Plus, soy provides an excellent scent throw that fills your space without overpowering it.
Our wood wicks add an extra touch of comfort. They crackle softly as they burn, creating a cozy, campfire-like atmosphere. For me, that sound brings back memories of evenings at home in Minnesota simple, peaceful, and warm.
What Candle Express Stands For
Candle Express is all about bringing a little coziness into everyday life. Every candle and wax melt we sell is hand-poured in small batches by either Taryn or myself. We’re careful about every detail, from wick placement to scent balance, because we believe craftsmanship matters.
We only make scents we love ourselves. If it’s on our site, it’s something that’s burned in our own home. Our goal is to create candles that feel personal, made with care, meant to be enjoyed, and designed to make any space feel more like home.
Where to Find Us
You can shop online at candleexpressmn.com or find our candles locally at:
🕯️ Merchants on Main Street – Sauk Centre, MN
🕯️ Dragonfly Boutique – New London, MN
Candle Express began as a small idea and has grown into something we’re proud to share with others one cozy, wood-wick candle at a time.