The name “Honey Water Candles” stems from a vision board that Blanton set up to explore a new scent. The board displayed dreamlike images of bees, nectar, and individuals floating in rivers. Altogether, it enveloped the serene and delicious feeling she wanted to give to her Berlin boutique.
Now, the sentiment she hopes to evoke in her clients is similar.
“I want my clients to feel that dreamy feeling of sitting by a river; simple and quiet,” Blanton said. “There are a lot of things that go into owning a store, right down to the design of how you place things on a shelf. In a way, every store owner is an artist in having a vision and bringing that vision to life. »
The candle making process is complex. Blanton, who draws inspiration from the natural world through varieties of vegetables or a combination of obscure objects, mimics smells that some assume are odorless, such as acorns, radishes and tomatoes.
Next comes the creation itself, handcrafted in Blanton’s little wooden cabin nestled in the woods along the east coast.
According to Blanton, candle making is a science. She begins the process by melting wax in a giant vat. She then weighs the wax, measures the scent in a graduated cylinder, combines the two, and swirls the mixture for about two minutes. Once cooled, she pours the mixture into jars that she has previously wicked each. The candles are labeled, polished and prepared for purchase.
“Before they hit the shelves, I let the candles cure for two weeks,” Blanton said. “During this two-week period, the chemistry does its job. If you light the candle before, the scent will not be as strong.
Honey Water candles are environmentally friendly. As stated on its website: “Each candle contains soy wax made from USA-grown soybeans, a clean-burning cotton wick, and a phthalate-free blend of essential oils and fragrance.”
Blanton’s brick-and-mortar shop is home to more than candles. Many of her artistic creations, including hand-dyed natural tea towels, satin landscape cushions, and expressive acrylic paintings and prints are also on display.
His deepest connection lies in his paintings.
My paintings are inspired by memories of the east coast, memories of my childhood through adulthood,” said Blanton, whose work usually depicts coastal or woodland landscapes. “When I’m painting, I turn off my brain. It’s muscle memory at this point. I put music on and find myself moving, doing a lot of wide strokes. Being expressive with my body when painting has been very therapeutic. .
Blanton now uses his paintings as candle labels, allowing him to marry his two interests. When a candle burns, its flickering flame recedes behind the colorful horizon, giving off the ethereal impression of lightning.
The Honey Water Candles store also highlights other artists. The store features products from a handful of small businesses and designers across the country, such as Sobo, Nova Perfume, Nash & Joans, Coco Shalom, Mast, and Little Green Witch.
COMMUNITY IN DOWNTOWN BERLIN
While the online store is currently sold out, Blanton plans to restock the candles this summer. For now, she’s focused on her in-person customer service, which she calls her “favorite part.”
” I love this city. When I was younger, I used to walk around and dream of where my own little shop might be,” she said. “Now I am so grateful.
“Lots of people I’ve known all my life and new faces have come forward to support my shop. I think that’s what’s really unique about a small town, the way the word gets around and people really want to support each other,” she said.
Blanton started working on a new summer scent.
“My daughter and I are currently working on a dandelion candle. I think it would be fun to have a celebration for this new scent, too. Maybe a dandelion themed party.