Taylor Horton has always liked having candles in her home, but was wary of burning them around her newborn baby. She wanted to find another option.

“I didn’t want my newborn taking in toxins, and chemicals and things that are usually in candles, which gave me the idea to create my own,” Horton said.

Horton’s son was born in December of last year, before COVID-19 had become a part of the daily lexicon. She was already concerned about most of the candles found on store shelves so when COVID-19 restrictions hit and she was stuck at home, she got creative.

Thus, The Whidbey Candle Co. was born. Horton uses plant-based, non-toxic materials in her candles. She also uses a wooden wick, which in addition to burning cleaner than most other candles on the market, “you hear this kind of peaceful wooden sound so its kind of relaxing,” she said.

She said she feels safe burning them in her home and thought there might be other people who would appreciate them too.

Her candles are made with a vegan wax of soybean and coconut. Horton’s top three picks are Cashmere Vanilla and Fresh Roasted Coffee from her signature collection and Marshmallow Fireside, which she made for the holidays. Each candle costs $32.

Horton said she made her own blends to achieve the scents she wanted. For example, the Cashmere Vanilla has notes of pear, bergamot, jasmine and sandalwood, in addition to vanilla and cashmere. The point is not to exactly mimic the smell of cashmere but to invoke a memory, she explained.

Horton said she is almost out of stock because she makes her candles in small batches. COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the supply chain for many businesses, and Horton’s is no exception, but she continues to move forward. She sells the candles through her website but hopes to get them into stores or even have her own store and studio space outside her home.

Owning her own business was something Horton said she had always wanted. She and her husband also co-own Nite Owl Tattoo in Oak Harbor.

“Being a business owner was definitely something I always wanted and knew would happen,” Horton said. She’s managed other businesses for people before but “it’s been more rewarding overall to start my own business,” she said.

Taylor Horton’s new business, The Whidbey Candle Co. in Oak Harbor, began after she wanted a healthier option for candles and had some extra time during stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo provided.