SNOHOMISH, Wash. — Candle-making is part chemistry, part alchemy and part camaraderie inside a new candle bar in downtown Snohomish.
Malicious Women Candle Co., a local retailer of high quality hand-poured candles, recently expanded the business to include hands-on classes.
"I love seeing the creative process because that is what pulled me out of my darkness,” said founder Lacie Marsh-Carroll.
She poured her first candle as a part of therapy, after losing her best friend to suicide. Her kitchen countertop became an assembly line, and her first snarky label convinced friends she should go into business.
"Would people really buy a candle with this word on it? And they did,” she said. "I'm still in shock. I look around my warehouse and I'm like, 'How did this happen?'"
Marsh-Carroll named her company "Malicious Women" as a tongue-in-cheek reference to being unapologetic about feelings, beliefs and opinions.
"I think the mission has always been to be real and to stay real," she said.
The new candle bar is an extension of that mission. Her team remodeled the back of the retail store and turned it into a sleek candle bar where up to 16 people can gather for classes.
"They can select whatever jar or vessel they like, whatever speaks to them. I've got about 25 different vessels to choose from,” Marsh-Carroll said.
There are more than 80 fragrance oils to choose from, in categories like food, florals and cocktails.
The step-by-step process is easy to follow, and students have surprised Marsh-Carroll with their creativity.
"Somebody blended a mahogany teak wood and a red hot cinnamon, and I was like that should not work. And it worked!" she said.
Marsh-Carroll hopes every class instills knowledge, inspires laughter, and creates a sense of community around candle-making.
"It's so tough to connect sometimes with your friends, or meet new friends, as adults,” she said. "(Students) are leaving as friends. They're making new besties. I'm like, ‘Yes! I love that.’"
The class lasts for an hour and the price varies from $35-$50, depending on the selected vessel. Guests can choose pre-made labels or create their own.
There are multiple classes offered Thursday – Sunday and reservations are available online.
Malicious Women Candle Co. is located at 920 1st Street in downtown Snohomish.
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