Charleston Candle Co marks 10 years with two new signature candles

Charleston Candle Co. is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the debut of Charleston and The Holy City, two candles inspired by the city where the family-owned brand was founded. The launch underscores how the Charleston maker has grown from a kitchen startup into a retail and production staple with a redesigned flagship store.

Why it matters: - Charleston Candle Co.'s 10-year mark shows how a small local maker can grow into a recognizable Charleston brand while keeping production handmade and local. - The anniversary launch gives the company two new products tied directly to place, a strategy that reinforces its identity with visitors and longtime residents.

What happened: - Charleston Candle Co. is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the launch of two signature candles: Charleston and The Holy City. - Founder Kristen Schwiers started pouring candles in the kitchen of a small apartment she shared with her husband, Chaz, in the summer of 2016. - The family-owned company is marking the milestone in Charleston, South Carolina, where the brand is based. - Charleston Candle Co. opened its flagship store at 218 St. Philip Street in 2021. - The flagship store now serves as the center of the company's retail, production and candle-making experiences. - The studio was redesigned in partnership with Public Regard to reflect the brand's next chapter.

The details: - The Charleston candle is designed as a travel-friendly keepsake for visitors who want to bring home a piece of the city. - Charleston opens with bergamot, sea salt, fleur de sel and lemon blossom. - The fragrance continues with peony, mint, star jasmine, gardenia and rosewater. - The scent finishes with juniper, marine, amber mist and violet musk. - The Holy City candle is positioned as a larger, premium candle for Charleston locals. - The Holy City opens with bergamot, mandarin orange and French lavender. - The fragrance develops with star jasmine, violet petal and geranium. - The base includes guaiacwood, patchouli and rich amber. - Every Charleston Candle Co. candle is hand-poured in small batches using 100% natural soy wax. - The company uses lead- and zinc-free cotton and paper wicks. - Charleston Candle Co. uses fragrance oils that meet strict safety standards. - Charleston and The Holy City are available at the flagship store and online at charlestoncandleco.com.

Between the lines: - The anniversary collection leans heavily on Charleston identity, which helps the brand turn location into product differentiation. - The redesigned studio and new candles suggest Charleston Candle Co. is using the milestone to refresh the brand while staying rooted in craftsmanship. - Schwiers said the anniversary gave the family a chance to look back on the company's growth and create something that honors Charleston.

What's next: - Charleston Candle Co. is positioning its flagship store and online shop as the main channels for the anniversary candles. - The refreshed studio and new product launch point to a next phase for the brand after a decade of growth. - The company is likely to keep building around storytelling, community and place-based products.

The bottom line: - Charleston Candle Co. is turning a 10-year milestone into a brand moment, with two candles designed to deepen its connection to Charleston.