Sweden Scents, a local business, creates a variety of candles, all handmade in Bradford.
It was two years ago that Eden Arsenault started making candles as a side hustle to make a little extra money when COVID-19 started in 2020.
“The main thing for me is that people don’t realize what a natural scent can do for their mind and overall health. Whether it’s helping anxiety, raising endorphins, or calming a headache, being able to provide that for people in the comfort of their own home brings them a great sense of joy and comfort,” said Arsenault.
“Natural scents are essential to our mind and physical body. People need to have healthy minds in order for our physical bodies to feel good,” she explained.
Arsenault stressed the importance of self-care and the role candles can play.
“Self-care is something we often forget to do in our everyday lives, especially in making our home extra comfortable,” she said.
Business has been brisk at Sweden Scents, which has been reassuring to Arsenault.
“When it was time for me to make candles, I got so excited and looked forward to it rather than it being a chore,” she said.
“The biggest challenge for me has been making the candles themselves and learning to master making them. Many of the ones I’ve made have been flawed, whether it’s the wrong wax or wicks. It was difficult yet rewarding to finally find the right wax and wicks.”
Making candles was a hobby of her father’s when he was younger, and he has used that experience to help his daughter.
“The biggest things I have learned (are) patience and how much the scent can enhance your emotional well-being,” said Arsenault.
Sweden Scents has a variety of scents and sizes of candles, with prices ranging from $3 to $25.
“I wanted what I produce to really benefit people (and) be affordable as living is very expensive, and I wanted to do my best to make my candles affordable for everyone,” Arsenault said.
Sweden Scents candles are made from natural ingredients. If any of the scents are not safe for pets, it is indicated on the product.
Sweden Scents can be followed on Instagram. Orders can be placed by messaging Arsenault there.
