Our Story

Our Mission…

Candles by Madison is dedicated to providing products that you are proud to have in your home. We believe in transparency, and we treat every customer like a long lost friend. All of our products are hand-poured with love by the co-owners of CBM, Josiah and Madison, in small batches. Most importantly we pride ourselves on creating ecofriendly products that are paraben and preservative free. Our products have also not been tested on animals and are vegan friendly. Recently, we have been striving to eliminate fragrances that do not meet the requirements of Proposition 65 and that are not phthalate free. All of our candle lines have wicks that are lead-free and made from paper or wood materials. All of our products are also produced in recyclable containers, as well as we now offer recycle punch cards that allow you to return your CBM packaging to receive more amazing product. Together, Josiah and Madison are striving to create a healthy, relaxing, and cozy life style for all of their customers and most importantly the world.

How Candles by Madison was created…

Candles by Madison was built during a very dark time in my life (Madison). I grew up with severe anxiety, which I am still battling today, and candles have been one of the good things that came out of that time.  My mother sold Home Interiors for a large part of my childhood and besides for the boxes and bubble wrap, smelling the candles was my favorite thing to do. My mother and I attempted to make candles when I was very young, but for some reason making candles with crayon wax just isn’t a good idea. For Christmas in 3rd grade (2005), my parents got me a candle maker, and my mom and I would make candles together in our kitchen (crayon free this time).

I spent every waking moment thinking about candles, fragrances, and colors. Growing up, especially my 3rd grade year, my anxiety went speeding out of control. During that point my mother and father could no longer help me cope with my anxiety, so I began going to a therapist. It was a very embarrassing time for me and it was the start of the long road to learning how to cope. One of my coping mechanisms was to keep my mind occupied, which is were candles came into play. ​ Little did I know making candles would stay with me.

Fast-forward to 2012, and I was a 10th grader in high school. I had just met my now husband, and for some reason I really started figuring out that I preferred to make candles over most other past times. I remember how angry I was when I started softball that spring and candles had to get put on the back burner. By the middle of 2013, I received my first invitation to a craft show and by 2015 I had a book shelf in my local crafter/vendor store Peddler’s Patch in Lakeview, Michigan. We now attend numerous craft shows, sell in many local stores, and have our very own e-commerce website.

 

Meet Madison…

Throughout this process, CBM has been a large part of my life, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I am now 25, and I can tell you my candles are better then my third grade attempts. From making candles with my mom in our kitchen to a TV tray in my bedroom, then to taking over my parent’s basement our company has grown and adapted with me throughout these years. When I am not thinking about wax and fragrances, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, thrift store shopping, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee. One of my favorite past times however is learning. I am the recipient of three Associate Degrees: one each in Accounting, Business Administration Management, and Entrepreneurship, and a Bachelors in Business Administration. This, however, hasn’t stopped me from learning. I love reading about marketing, customer psychology, memoirs about female entrepreneurs. I love sharing with others what I have learned to help them improve on their own small business. When I am not learning, shopping, or spending time with my family and friends, I work part-time at Montcalm Community College in Montcalm County Michigan as the Human Resources Assistant. In February of 2020 we purchased our first home located in Canadian Lakes Michigan.  We remodeled a large portion of it and I have a candle work shop and “store front” of my dreams in the basement. Like I said earlier CBM has grown and adapted with me, but it wouldn’t be where it is today without my family and friends who keep me motivated.