Zeiss candle maker turns passion into festive business

A passion for creativity and the desire to make homes feel warm and welcoming inspired Martin Wright to establish Simply Wicked Candles, a Roodepoort-based business specialising in luxury handcrafted soy candles and home fragrance products.

Martin, the owner and artisan behind the business, began exploring candle-making during the Covid-19 pandemic. What started as a personal interest gradually developed into a business built on craftsmanship, distinctive fragrances and quality products.

As the festive season approaches, Martin is sharing his knowledge of candle-making and encouraging residents to explore the craft as both a creative hobby and a potential source of additional income.

Martin said one of his main goals was to provide fragrance products for customers who share their homes with pets.

“I was drawn to the creativity of transforming simple ingredients into something that creates atmosphere, evokes memories and makes a house feel like a home,” he said.

According to Martin, candle-making requires a combination of creativity, technical knowledge and attention to detail.

Beginners need materials such as candle wax, suitable wicks and containers, candle fragrance oils, a digital scale, a thermometer and appropriate melting equipment. These supplies are available from specialist candle-making suppliers in South Africa.

He advised beginners to start with small quantities of quality materials and learn the basics before attempting more complicated designs.

Making a candle involves melting the wax at a controlled temperature, measuring and adding fragrance according to the supplier’s recommendations, and pouring the mixture into a suitable container. Once cooled, the candle must be inspected and allowed to cure before being tested.

Martin emphasised that choosing the correct wax, wick and container is essential to producing a safe, quality candle. Every combination must be properly burn-tested, and safety should take priority over appearance.

For residents wanting to create festive candles, he recommends using candle-safe dyes and fragrances. Vanilla, warm spices, fresh scents and woody notes are among the options that can help create a Christmas atmosphere. Layered colours, attractive containers and customised labels can also give candles a festive appearance.

However, decorations should never compromise fire safety, and candle-making equipment must be handled carefully.

Martin said his experience had taught him that candle-making was both an art and a science. Selecting suitable materials, testing products and allowing sufficient curing time were important lessons he had learnt along the way.

Running the business has also presented challenges, including rising material costs, competition and maintaining consistent quality while keeping products affordable.

Despite these challenges, Martin said customer support had played an important role in the business’s growth.

“The support of customers who purchase locally, recommend our products and share feedback has been invaluable in helping Simply Wicked Candles grow,” he said.

He added that the business’s growing customer base had become like family, providing motivation to continue developing the brand.

Martin encouraged aspiring candle makers to start small, calculate their production costs carefully and test every product before selling it. He also recommended using local markets and social media to reach potential customers.

His journey demonstrates how a creative interest can develop into a business while providing residents with an opportunity to learn a practical skill and consider entrepreneurship during the festive season.