The NorthWood Story
NorthWood Candle is a family owned and operated company and we are thrilled to share our journey with you, our incredible customers! Over the past few years, our growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and we owe it all to your unwavering support and loyalty. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to extend a huge THANK YOU for being such an essential part of our story!
How We Started
Our founder, Brian, has a rich history with candle-making that began in his childhood alongside his father. They dreamt of one day launching their own candle-making business, a vision that sadly remained unfulfilled when his father passed away in 2010. In honor of his father’s memory, Brian took a leap of faith and began drafting a business plan for the NorthWood Candle Company. Just one year after his father’s passing, he opened a kiosk at the Mall of America, marking a poignant start to his entrepreneurial journey.
During those bustling holiday seasons, Brian joyfully sold thousands of candles and bath products. However, the multifaceted responsibilities of being a maker, salesperson, marketer, bookkeeper, and business owner left him yearning for the creative joy of candle-making that initially inspired him. Compounding this challenge was the struggle to find reliable suppliers who offered the quality, selection, and service he desired. This frustration ignited a new aspiration within him: to create a candle supply company that would provide the high-quality resources he had always envisioned.
In 2016, after extensive research and sourcing the finest fragrances, wicks, wax, and other essential supplies, Brian proudly launched NorthWood Distributing.
Our Business Journey
What began in a spare bedroom of Brian's Eden Prairie apartment quickly outgrew that space, prompting a move to a 1,200 square foot warehouse in Le Sueur, MN. Here, Brian not only continued crafting candles but also began selling candle supplies. Our growing demand soon led to the hiring of our first full-time employee, who is still an invaluable part of our team as our Warehouse Manager!
After two more years of exciting growth, we transitioned to our current location in the heart of downtown Belle Plaine, MN, nestled in the historic Steffen Hardware building, with its charming original creaky wood floors that echo the memories of the community.
From our humble beginnings with just 12 fragrances, we have now expanded our offerings to over 450 unique scents, 15 different types of wicks, six premium waxes, and an extensive array of other products for crafting candles, soaps, bath bombs, body products, and beyond. As passionate makers ourselves, we prioritize quality and only add products we would personally use in our own creations. Our team is continuously on the lookout for innovative products that we know our customers will love!
Where We Are Now
In recent years, we have strategically shifted our focus away from candle-making to devote our energy to our supply business. This transition allows us to dedicate more resources to supporting and uplifting the amazing makers within our Midwest community. We take great pride in the fact that many of our customers are local artisans, and we have no intention of competing with their exquisite talents.
However, our background as both candle makers and business owners provides us with a unique perspective that informs our approach as suppliers. We understand the joy, challenges, and triumphs that come with running your own business, and this empathy drives our commitment to delivering exceptional service and top-notch products. We are constantly seeking ways to enhance your experience with us and ensure that we meet your needs.
NorthWood Team & Values
Starting with just one full-time employee, our team has flourished thanks to your incredible support! Today, we are proud to have a dedicated group of individuals working both on-site in Belle Plaine and remotely, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Every purchase you make contributes to job creation in our community, enabling us to enhance employment benefits for our staff. We firmly believe in providing our employees with a livable wage that exceeds minimum standards.
Additionally, we 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 also 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. Moreover, our staff can earn additional paid time off by volunteering for nonprofit organizations, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact.
As a small business, every single interaction—whether it’s a purchase, a glowing review, or a recommendation to fellow makers—makes a remarkable difference. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for your continued support. Together, we are creating something truly special!