My love affair with candles started more than two decades ago when I moved into my first apartment in the beautiful Alden Park Apartments in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.  I loved nothing more than coming home on Fridays after a long work week and zoning out with a glass of champagne and lighting candles.  Something about the majestic glow of the flickering flame relaxed me and provided a soothing ambiance.  Never in a million years did I foresee one day actually being a candle maker.

 

After many years of working as a social worker with Philadelphia's at-risk youth, I made the difficult decision to leave the workforce to care for my mother.  In an attempt to make extra cash and feel meaningful outside of the home, I found myself working as an independent consultant for a well-known candle distributor.  Although I loved candles and they had an awesome product, I didn't feel personally connected to the work that I was doing. 

 

During a conversation with my then ten-year-old son, I light-heartedly expressed my desire of making my own amazing candles.  His simple response, "Why can't you, Mommy?" sparked my quest to learn all I could about candle making.  I ran to the nearest craft store and purchased a DIY soy candle making kit,  I was instantly in love!  As much as I enjoyed burning candles for all these years, I enjoyed making them just as much, if not more.  I spent the next 8 months repeatedly making candles, experimenting with different waxes, and perfecting my craft.  After much encouragement from family and friends, I confidently launched Todd Hunter Candle Boutique!

 

I am often asked the origin of the name of my company.  I chose Todd Hunter as it is the middle names of my two boys respectively.  It is a constant reminder of my why and my pursuit of constant improvement and overall excellence.  I love that I am able to be a living example to my boys that no matter the  circumstance, you can make your mark.  Candles have always been my light in times of darkness and I'm proud to be able to share the peace and tranquility I've found by way of the work of my hands!