How did Manitou Candle Co. get its start?
In 2015 I made candles for the guests of my Northern Michigan wedding. Afterwards, friends and family continued to ask me to make them candles. I love getting together with friends so I thought candle classes would be the perfect way to do both!
I grew up spending time in northern Michigan and loved to visit the Manitou Islands in Leelanau County. A legend attributed to the Native Americans explains the origin of the Manitou Islands and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Long ago, the bear Mishe Mokwa and her two cubs sought to cross Lake Michigan from the Wisconsin shore to escape a great forest fire. The mother bear made it across, but sadly her twin cubs did not. The great spirit (Manitou) covered the cubs with sand to form the two Manitou islands. The mother bear lies and looks over her cubs as the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Manitou opened its doors in late 2016 as a place where friends could gather and share experiences while spending quality time together making their own custom candles. Manitou moved to Mount Lookout in 2019. Manitou has grown from a small workshop space to a popular local gift shop and candle company.
Did you ever think you would work with a local brewery?
I have worked with making custom candles for all different types of businesses. So I didn’t think too much about it but am excited to be partnering on this together.
In your process making, is there anything you’re particularly proud of or something that makes you all unique in your craft?
All of our candles are hand poured in our shop locally in Columbia Tusculum and use all American made products that are safe for ourselves and customers while also trying to be as green as possible.
What is your current favorite product you make?
I’m really loving our holiday scents right now. #017 Blue Spruce and #044 Fraser Fir… and of course the Custom MadTree scent!
When you’re not working, what are some hobbies or things you enjoy doing?
Love spending time with family and friends.
How has connecting with people played a role in your life and business?
Our business has been built on connections and relationships. Our candle classes are not only a way to learn how to make candles but more importantly a time to spend with family and friends.
