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Soy Candles: New Twist On Ancient Product
IN A brave new world of iPods and electric cars, there aren’t many products that have remained strong sellers after thousands of years. But people still love the humble candle, and Edith Fikes, the owner and candle maker of Dallas Soy Candles, has found a new twist on this ancient product that makes it even more attractive to modern shoppers. Fikes has brought a true arti-
san’s sensibility to the creation of her candles. She worked hard to perfect her recipes. “I tested dif- ferent types of soy wax before I found the one that produced the highest quality. In making candles,
it is trial and error until you create the perfect soy candles. We have developed our coloring recipes, too. The various colors come in blocks, and you have to fi gure out what is the appropriate amount of color.” She is also happy to go into the details of fragrance ratios, wick size and type, and the varied burn rates of soy versus paraffi n wax. By using soy to create her
candles, Fikes makes her product stand out from most other candles, which are made of paraffi n, and may even use lead in their wicks. She is so enthusiastic about soy wax that she put the word “soy” in her company name. And her
talking points are compelling: • Soy wax is all natural, bio-
degradable, and environmentally friendly. Soybeans are a renewable resource, and using soybeans sup- ports our economy. • Soy candles last longer. They
can last up to 50 percent longer than paraffi n candles. • Soy wax spills can easily be
cleaned up with hot soapy water. It is very diffi cult to remove paraffi n wax from furniture, countertops, and fl oors. • Soy candles produce about 90 percent less black soot than
paraffi n candles. Soot can be un- continued on page 56
54 November 2010
is Now INDEPENDENTRETAILER
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