The NorthWood Story
Welcome to NorthWood Candle! As a family-owned and operated business, we are delighted to share our journey with you—our amazing customers! Over the past few years, our growth has been extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and loyalty. Thank you for being such a vital part of our story!
How We Started
The seeds of NorthWood Candle were sown in the heart of our founder, Brian, who began his candle-making journey as a child alongside his father. They shared a dream of launching their own candle-making business, a vision that remained unfulfilled when Brian's father passed away in 2010. In honor of his father’s legacy, Brian took a leap of faith and crafted a business plan for NorthWood Candle Company. Just one year later, he opened a kiosk at the Mall of America, marking the poignant beginning of his entrepreneurial venture.
During those bustling holiday seasons, Brian delighted customers by selling thousands of candles and bath products. However, the demands of juggling roles as a maker, salesperson, marketer, bookkeeper, and business owner began to overshadow the creative joy that sparked his passion. Compounded by the challenge of finding reliable suppliers who met his standards for quality and service, Brian was inspired to create a supply company that would provide the high-quality resources he always envisioned.
In 2016, after thorough research and sourcing premium fragrances, wicks, wax, and essential supplies, Brian proudly launched NorthWood Distributing.
Our Business Journey
What started in a spare bedroom of Brian's Eden Prairie apartment quickly outgrew that space, leading to a move to a 1,200 square foot warehouse in Le Sueur, MN. Here, Brian continued to craft candles while also supplying candle-making materials. The growing demand allowed us to hire our first full-time employee, who remains a cherished part of our team as our Warehouse Manager.
After two more exciting years of growth, we relocated to our current home in the heart of downtown Belle Plaine, MN, nestled within the historic Steffen Hardware building, where the charming creaky wood floors echo the community's rich heritage.
From our modest beginnings with just 12 fragrances, we have expanded to offer over 450 unique scents, 15 types of wicks, custom blended waxes, and a wide range of products for crafting candles, soaps, bath bombs, body products, and more. As passionate makers, we prioritize quality, adding only those products that we would use ourselves. Our team is always on the lookout for innovative products that our customers will adore!
Where We Are Now
In recent years, we have strategically shifted our focus from candle-making to fully devote our energy to our supply business. This transition allows us to dedicate more resources to supporting and uplifting the incredible makers we serve without having to compete with their remarkable talents.
Our background as both candle makers and business owners provides us with a unique perspective as suppliers. We understand the joys and challenges of running a business, and this empathy drives our commitment to delivering exceptional service and top-quality products. We continually seek ways to enhance your experience with us and meet your needs.
NorthWood Team & Values
From a single full-time employee, our team has flourished, thanks to your incredible support! Today, we are proud to have a dedicated group working both on-site in Belle Plaine and remotely, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Every purchase you make contributes to job creation within our community, enabling us to enhance employment benefits for our staff. We are committed to providing our employees with a livable wage that exceeds minimum standards.
We also value a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and paid time off so our team can enjoy meaningful moments outside of work. Whenever possible, we encourage our employees to work from home, allowing them to cherish quality time with their families.
Giving back to our communities is a core value at NorthWood. We regularly contribute to charitable initiatives that enhance the well-being of the areas we serve. Additionally, staff can earn extra paid time off by volunteering for nonprofit organizations, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact.
As a small business, every interaction—whether it's a purchase, a glowing review, or a recommendation to fellow makers—makes a remarkable difference. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for your continued support. Together, we are creating something truly special!
