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About Taft Candle Co.
Taft Candle Co. is a small-batch candle company based in White Stone, Virginia, creating hand-poured candles inspired by the natural beauty of the Rappahannock River and coastal living. Proudly serving customers throughout Irvington, Kilmarnock, Urbanna, Gloucester, Yorktown, Newport News, Hampton Roads, and across the United States, our candles are crafted with high-quality waxes and clean-burning materials designed to bring warmth, calm, and timeless style into every home.
MY STORY
Some things just stay with you.
For Susan, it was candle making.
Her love of chandlery began along the California coastline in the 1970s—an era filled with handmade goods, small boutiques, and a slower, more intentional way of living. It was in one of those coastal shops, the Knorr Candle Factory in Del Mar, that she took her first candle-making class.
The results weren’t perfect—but something about the process stayed with her. Even then, she found beauty in the craft and held onto those first candles for years.
Life eventually took her in a different direction. After college, Susan built a 30-year career in data analysis—fast-paced, structured, and far removed from the quiet creativity she once knew.
But when life shifted and called her into a season of caring for aging parents and navigating family health challenges, she found her way back.
What began as a return to something familiar quickly became something more—a source of calm, reflection, and quiet joy during a time that required all three.
Today, that same sense of peace lives on in every candle she creates.
From her small studio at Taft Beach, along Virginia’s Rappahannock River, Susan hand-pours each piece in small batches. Surrounded by the rhythms of the water, coastal wildlife, and the softer elements of nature, her work reflects a slower, more intentional way of living.
Taft Candle Co. is more than a collection of candles—it’s a return to craft, to stillness, and to the kind of moments that matter most.
Susan Payne, Chandler
Our Process
Each Taft Candle Co. candle is thoughtfully handcrafted in small batches from our studio in White Stone, Virginia. From carefully selecting waxes and fragrance blends to hand-pouring, finishing, and packaging each piece, every step is rooted in quality, simplicity, and intention.
Made slowly. Poured with care. Designed to bring warmth and calm into everyday moments.
About Our Waxes & Wicks
At Taft Candle Co., we thoughtfully handcraft our candles in small batches using a variety of carefully selected waxes chosen for their unique qualities, performance, and overall candle experience. Every candle is finished with a 100% cotton wick, primed in wax to promote a clean, steady burn while helping reduce excessive soot and “drowning flame.”
We believe the materials matter just as much as the experience they create.
Beeswax
Known as the “queen bee” of waxes, beeswax is natural, biodegradable, and beautifully timeless. Beeswax candles are loved for their soft golden glow, naturally light honey scent, and clean-burning qualities. As a harder wax with a higher melting point, beeswax performs especially well in warmer climates and creates long-lasting tapers, pillars, votives, and tealights.
Our beeswax candles are made using high-quality USA beeswax with no added dyes or artificial fragrances—allowing the natural beauty of the wax to shine on its own.
Non-Toxic
Natural Soy & Soy Blends
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax derived from soybean oil and is a favorite among eco-conscious candle lovers. It offers a clean, long-lasting burn with excellent fragrance throw and minimal soot. Its naturally creamy appearance pairs beautifully with soft, everyday fragrance experiences.
We use soy wax produced and manufactured in the United States.
Non-Toxic • Vegan
Premium Paraffin
Our premium paraffin wax is highly refined for a clean, consistent burn and exceptional fragrance performance. Known for its smooth finish and strong scent throw, paraffin remains one of the most trusted and time-tested candle waxes available.
When paired with proper wick care and trimming, it provides a bright, reliable flame with minimal soot.
Non-Toxic • Vegan
Coconut Apricot
Coconut apricot wax is a luxurious plant-based blend known for its creamy texture and elevated fragrance performance. It holds and releases fragrance exceptionally well, creating a strong yet balanced scent experience throughout your space.
This wax is prized for its clean burn, smooth appearance, and lower soot production, making it a beautiful choice for customers who appreciate both luxury and performance.
Non-Toxic • Vegan
