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- From kitchen table startup to national supplier: the story behind the candles
- How the workforce is built: a partnership model for real jobs
- Product quality: what makes the candles stand out
- Business growth and distribution: from local shop to global reach
- Why inclusive hiring adds business and community value
- How customers can support the mission and buy the candles
A small New Jersey candle maker is quietly changing how people shop for home fragrance. For more than two decades, a family-run business has blended craftsmanship and compassion by hiring adults with disabilities to do essential work on the production line — making every candle both a fragrant product and a vehicle for meaningful employment.
What began as a modest operation in 1991 has grown into a brand with national distribution and a loyal online following. Customers praise the strong scent and handcrafted quality, but the story behind each candle — and the people who help make them — is what keeps buyers coming back.
From kitchen table startup to national supplier: the story behind the candles
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The company, founded in the early 1990s, has expanded steadily while keeping its family values front and center. Owners Tony and Susan Gross oversee a business that crafts hand-poured candles and places a premium on inclusive hiring. Over the years, that approach has become part of the brand identity as much as the fragrances themselves.
Longstanding commitment: For more than 20 years the business has intentionally created roles for adults with special needs, integrating supportive employment into daily operations rather than treating it as charity or a side project.
How the workforce is built: a partnership model for real jobs
The company doesn’t recruit randomly. Instead, it works with Career Opportunity Development Inc. (CODI), a New Jersey nonprofit started by parents decades ago to create work, training, and housing opportunities for people with disabilities. CODI connects qualified individuals who want paid work with the candle shop’s production line.
Flexible, dignified work that respects each person
- Shifts vary by preference: some employees work a few minutes a day, others stay up to six hours.
- No quotas or high-pressure targets — the emphasis is on purposeful, steady work.
- Daily pay for completed tasks reinforces independence and pride.
The arrangement offers more than a paycheck: participants gain routine, social interaction, and a clear sense that their contribution matters. As the owners stress, these crew members perform critical tasks — like placing wicks — that are central to every finished candle.
Product quality: what makes the candles stand out
Beyond the social mission, the candles themselves have earned praise. Each candle is hand-poured using premium paraffin wax and finished to maximize fragrance dispersion. Customers often note that the scent fills a room and lingers, a feature sometimes described as a superior “scent throw.”
- Available in three standard sizes to fit different rooms and budgets.
- Hand-poured process ensures consistency and attention to detail.
- Distributed to thousands of retail outlets and sold online, including major marketplaces.
Customer feedback frequently highlights the aroma strength and lasting scent experience, with many buyers switching brands after discovering the product.
Business growth and distribution: from local shop to global reach
Starting as a regional maker, the company now ships nationally and internationally. Its sales channels include independent stores across the United States and a sizable presence on Amazon, expanding access far beyond the local market outside Atlantic City where production takes place.
The combination of excellent product performance and a clear social purpose has helped the brand build a devoted customer base that values both scent quality and social responsibility.
Why inclusive hiring adds business and community value
Employing adults with special needs isn’t just philanthropic for this company — it’s practical and transformative. Workers gain hands-on skills, regular income, and meaningful inclusion in a workplace. The community benefits as individuals become more independent and economically integrated.
- Supports local nonprofit programs that train and place workers.
- Provides fair wages and consistent opportunities for people often overlooked by traditional employers.
- Builds a sense of belonging and purpose for employees and families alike.
The employer’s model shows how small businesses can scale impact without sacrificing product quality. Labor roles are thoughtfully designed so workers can succeed, and the result is a reliable output of well-made candles tied to an empowering mission.
How customers can support the mission and buy the candles
Shoppers who want to back inclusive employment can look for the brand at local retailers or order online through major e-commerce sites. Purchasing a candle not only brings a pleasant scent into the home but also sends dollars to a business that intentionally invests in its workforce.
Many customers share their discoveries on social media and in community groups, helping spread the word about a company that pairs product excellence with real social impact.
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Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.
Man, I remember when I first bought one of those candles. Didnt know the backstory then, but now Im all for supporting a company thats been doing right by their employees for two decades. Keep those scents coming!
Man, these candles aint just wax and wick, theyre made with heart. Hiring disabled folks for two decades? Thats the real deal. Bet those scents carry a whole lot of stories. Mad respect.
I worked with em once. Man, those candles were lit! Glad theyre gettin recognition for their hustle. Bout time we appreciate the real work these folks put in. Props!
Man, I remember when candles were just candles, ya know? But these folks? Theyre on another level! Respect for hiring disabled folks for 20 years and still making top-notch scents. Thats the real deal.
Yeah, man, I hear ya! Candles used to be just candles, but now theyre like the rockstars of scents, right? Its pretty rad that theyve been supporting disabled folks for two decades and still bringing the A-game. Thats some serious dedication and respect. Guess theyre not just blowing smoke, huh?
Man, I remember when I bought my first candle from them years ago. Knowing theyre employing disabled folks and still making top-notch scents? Thats some real respect and quality right there. Kudos!
Dang, dude, thats pretty heartwarming to hear! Its rare these days to find companies that not only make top-notch products but also make a real impact like that. Makes you appreciate that candle even more, right? Props to them for keeping it real and making a difference!
I remember Aunt Mabel always raving bout these candles, sayin they were made with heart. Turns out, theyre not just any candles, theyre makin a real difference. Respect!
Man, these candles aint just wax and wick. Theyre made with heart, yknow? Hiring disabled folks, giving them pride and purpose, and creating top-notch scents? Thats the real deal. Hats off to em.
Dude, for real though, those candles are more than just wax and wick. Its like theyve got a whole lotta heart and soul in em, yknow? Hiring disabled folks, spreading pride and purpose, and creating bomb scents? Thats some genuine stuff right there. Respect to them for keeping it real.
I used to think scents were just scents, ya know? But then I stumbled upon this company hiring disabled folks to craft their candles. Now Im like, Hold up, these candles got heart and soul in em. Mad respect for real jobs done right.
Man, those candles? They aint just wax and wick. Hiring disabled folks for 20 years? Thats some real heart. Respect. And the scents… Lets just say my living rooms never smelled better.
Man, I heard about this company! They make those candles that smell like a dream. And get this, theyve been giving jobs to disabled folks for 20 years! Makes you appreciate their products even more, you know?
Man, thats real heartwarming! Respect to a company doin it right. Makes me wonder, do those scents have a dash of extra love and care in em? Cause I might just need to snag me a few of those candles!
Dang, I feel ya on that warm fuzziness, dude! Companies that spread good vibes deserve major props. But hey, now you got me wonderin too – are those candles brewed up with a sprinkle of extra TLC? Cause if they are, count me in for a few! Gotta fill the crib with that lovey-dovey aroma, right?
Man, I remember when folks used to underestimate people with disabilities. This company flipping the script and showing they can create top-notch scents? Thats what I call progress. Hats off to em!
Man, I remember when candles were just candles, ya know? But these folks? Theyre leveling up the game. Hiring disabled Americans, making top-notch scents – its like lighting up a whole new world. Respect.
Man, I remember when folks said hiring disabled workers would tank profits. But look at this company now, killin the game with top-notch scents! Shows what real inclusion can do. Mad respect.
Man, these candles are like a breath of fresh air! Love hearing how theyve been supporting disabled workers for so long. Makes me appreciate the scents even more. Keep shining bright, candle company!
Man, I remember when I bought one of those candles. Didnt know the backstory. Makes me appreciate it even more. Gotta respect a company thats all about quality and inclusivity. Good stuff.