“Creating fragrances inspired by places requires imagination.”

The Azure Road Take

Charleston has a scent. It lingers in the warm praline air of the Market, drifts through the magnolia-lined streets, and rolls in with the salt breeze from Folly Beach. Kristen Schwiers, founder of Charleston Candle Co., captures these moments in wax, distilling the essence of the Lowcountry into handcrafted, small-batch candles.

Kristen’s journey started in 2016 as a creative project with a friend. Inspired by their hometowns, they experimented with handmade goods, but it was candles that resonated most. When her friend moved on, Kristen rebranded, refined her craft, and built Charleston Candle Co. into a brand with staying power. Today, she balances her role as Director of Marketing & Communications at First Baptist School of Charleston with running the business, while her husband, Chaz, manages production full-time.

Sustainability Chops

Charleston Candle Co. is more than about selling candles, it’s a business committed to clean, safe home fragrance. Kristen prioritizes sustainability, using U.S.-grown soy wax, cotton and paper wicks, and phthalate-free fragrances. “We’re constantly improving our materials,” she says. “Our goal is to provide a safer, healthier candle experience.”

Beyond the product itself, sustainability informs the business model. Packaging is recyclable, and customers are encouraged to repurpose their candle jars. It’s an intentional approach in an industry where synthetic ingredients are common.

The Candle

Each candle tells a story. Some, like Market Street Praline and Southern Magnolia, are straightforward translations of Charleston’s essence. Others, like Folly Beach, are designed to evoke a feeling—bright citrus and salty air mirroring the energy of a day spent on the coast.

The scents have expanded beyond geography. In 2023, Kristen launched The Architecture Collection, a series inspired by the city’s historic buildings. “While Charleston is the foundation, architectural styles speak to people everywhere,” she says.

Origin Story

For Kristen, Charleston Candle Co. is a way to share the city’s story. But she also understands that longevity in business requires more than a great product. “People connect with brands that have meaning,” she says. “It’s not just about the candle. It’s about what it represents.”

Even in a growing market, Kristen believes in carving out a niche. “When we started, there were only a few candle brands in Charleston. Now, there are many. But if you stay true to your vision and create something with authenticity, there’s always room to grow.”

Kristen is always looking for new ways to engage — through workshops, collaborations, and new collections. “We have exciting projects in the works,” she says, hinting at what’s to come.

But at its heart, Charleston Candle Co. remains deeply tied to home. “Charleston has history, creativity, and charm. There’s always something new to explore, but it’s also a place to slow down. If my personality were a place, it would be Charleston.”