Love Stories: Warmth Soy Candle Company
By Kate Devine
Wife and husband team Tracie Susalis-Braunstein and Jason Braunstein of Warmth Soy Candle Company make candles by hand to keep your home glowing and cozy. Based in Morristown, New Jersey, they use 100% soy wax, cotton wicks and phthalate-free fragrance. Find Warmth at our Valentine's Market this Saturday, February 11th!
When did you meet and what brought you two together?
We met about nine years ago when we were both living in Brooklyn and like lots of couples…we met in a bar. A friend and I decided to grab a drink after dinner and we met Jason who had been out with a bunch of friends. We had a blast and he’s been making me laugh ever since.
What was it like deciding to start your business?
We unwittingly started Warmth in 2011 as we were planning our wedding. Jason proposed to me at Battleview Orchards while we were apple picking. When my idea for making 200 mini apple pie favors the week of the wedding was veteod, by my slightly more sane husband, I needed to think of something else. The conversation went a little something like this, “Oh, I know! I’ll make apple-scented candles!” “Awesome! Wait, have you ever made a candle before?” “No.” And so the experimentation began. 5 years later we have 20 fragrances, a newly launched men’s line and big plans for 2017!
What is your favorite part about working with your partner?
Jason: I love working with Tracie because I get to see how passionate she is about her business. Her smile when she is pouring candles lights up a room and it’s amazing to see someone put so much love, dedication and attention into what they do.
Tracie: Jason is my human calculator and beast of burden, just kidding, kind of. Seriously, he is a great sounding board for the constant stream of ideas that run through my mind. He has missed countless football Sundays to help me succeed. He is also the brainchild for two of our most popular fragrances, Meadow and Limón.
What will you be offering at the Valentine's Market?
Since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow we figured everyone will need some cheering up. We’ll be fully stocked with our Spring & Summer fragrances. Including best sellers Marmalade and Meadow!