Smell the Difference

Ashton Kelly Candles burn cleaner, last longer, and retain their full scent throughout the life of the candle.

In 2009, Jana Hallman purchased Ashton Kelly Candles, leaving behind her career as a nurse and healthcare administrator. After about 30 years in the industry, Hallman found herself ready for something new. In a bit of serendipity, her love for fragrance lit the way to a new career path.

After more than five years in her new career, Hallman keeps busy filling orders and concocting new scents in her candle factory. The building was constructed by her husband, Dewayne. Those who pull into the drive are greeted with a breeze tinged with a potpourri of scents emanating from the independent candle maker’s headquarters.

Inside the workshop, tall shelves are filled with inventory: everything from wax tarts for warmers, to fragrance oils and room sprays, to candles of various sizes and colors in glass jars. Beyond the shelves is Hallman’s workspace. Upon several table tops, free of wax drips at the moment, sit rows of jars, empty save for lonely wicks peaking up above the top of the rims. Along the northern wall, a stove and an industrial-looking metal vat warms a fresh batch of wax for the next pour.

The south side of the workshop is dedicated to “shipping and receiving.” Dewayne is passing the time putting labels on bags. Behind him is a trailer, dedicated to transporting loads of products to home shows and delivering to retails outlets across the region.

Hallman invests a lot of time and effort to ensure her candles burn clean and evenly, and works with experts in the industry to develop her recipes. “You have to use science in order to develop a quality candle that burns as expected,” she says. “I have to be cognizant of different waxes, wick size, how quickly they burn – and make sure they don’t smoke.” Jana’s care and attention to detail extends to her customers, too. She can often be seen at trade shows chatting with customers about their ideal fragrances, giving mini lessons in the process.

“One of the things I loved about being an RN, whether it was with patients or families or mentoring staff, was teaching. I still get to teach people how to take care of fragrance in their home – how to use it effectively.”  

Jana explains that quality fragrance, even though it costs a more up front, is actually a better bargain than cheaper candles sold in big box stores. Ashton Kelly candles burn cleaner, last longer, and retain their full scent throughout the life of the candle.

She also strives to teach customers that color is separate from scent. Though we tend to associate certain fragrances with specific colors (for example, red is usually cinnamon), there is no reason a candle cannot match a room’s color scheme and have the scent you desire. “I can make any fragrance with any color,” explains Hallman.

As Valentine’s Day and Easter come into view, consider ordering a gift basket from Ashton Kelly Candles. Custom orders are always welcome. With retail outlets from Oklahoma City to Siloam Springs featuring Ashton Kelly Candles, along with Jana and Dewayne showcasing products at home and craft shows, it is easy to see and smell products up close. 

For more information, contact

Ashton Kelly Candles

(918) 376-4595

www.AshtonKellys.com