Needa Scented Candle Company was founded in 1995 by Jane Smith, a passionate candle maker from Vermont. Jane grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of Vermont and always loved how the forests and fields were filled with delightful scents. As a child, she would gather fragrant plants like lavender and rosemary and dry them to make small homemade potpourri sachets.

After college, Jane began experimenting with making scented candles using soy wax and essential oils. She found she had a knack for blending fragrances and created candles with inviting scents like Apple Pie, Ocean Breeze, and Cedarwood Forest. Friends and family raved about her creations and encouraged Jane to start her own scented candle business.

In 1995, Jane officially launched Needa Scented Candle Company out of her home studio in Burlington, Vermont. She started off small, selling her handmade soy candles at local craft fairs and farmers markets. Jane quickly realized there was a demand for quality, naturally scented candles as her business grew rapidly.

Within a few years, the company had moved into a dedicated production studio space to keep up with orders. Jane brought on a few employees to help hand-pour her signature candles, which now included over 50 different fragrances. Every candle was lovingly made using soy wax, cotton wicks, and pure essential oils.

By 2000, Needa Scented Candles had gained a reputation for being one of the premier scented candle brands in New England. The candles were now sold in over 100 boutique retail locations. While demand was growing, Jane stayed true to her small-batch process, never compromising on the quality of ingredients.

In 2005, the company expanded nationally by launching e-commerce and selling the candles online. This helped introduce Needa’s authentic scented candles across the U.S. Popular candles scents included Raspberry Peach, Chamomile Lavender, Sandalwood Eucalyptus, Jasmine Lily, and Crisp Linen.

Jane also focused on sourcing ingredients ethically and sustainably. The soy wax is organic and sourced from American farmers. The essential oils come from artisan distillers around the world who practice ethical harvesting. The cotton wicks are lead-free and the candle packaging utilizes recycled materials. This environmental commitment is a core part of the brand’s identity.

Today, Needa Scented Candles employs over 40 full-time staff in its expanded Vermont headquarters, which includes extensive candle testing labs. While an art as much as a science, new candle fragrances are developed through rigorous blending trials before being hand-poured in small batches. The company takes inspiration from the beauty of nature, memories, and emotion. Each candle is intended to create an immersive, transformative sensory experience.

Jane Smith still leads product development and approves every new candle before it’s released. The company has grown into an award-winning brand, featured in publications like House Beautiful, Goop, and Martha Stewart. While many competitors have outsourced production overseas, Needa Scented Candles proudly continues handmaking candles in Vermont.

Some popular current scents include:

Pumpkin Apple: A warm, cozy blend of baked pumpkin, tart apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Inspired by the heart of autumn.

Sea Salt Orchid: A floral bouquet of dewy orchids, lily of the valley, and sea salt air. Crisp, clean, and refreshing.

Mahogany Teakwood: Sensual sandalwood, smooth mahogany, and smoky teakwood blended with warm vanilla and cashmere musk. Deeply aromatic and luxurious.

Grapefruit Bergamot: Zesty pink grapefruit and bright bergamot are given an effervescent lift with lemon, mandarin, and ocean air. Energizing mood booster.

Lavender Eucalyptus: Soothing lavender essential oil is combined with minty, medicinal eucalyptus in this herbaceous blend. Calming and restorative.

Velvet Peony: Voluptuous layers of peony petals, water lily, white amber, sheer musk, and soft vanilla bean capture the richness of peonies in bloom. Feminine and romantic.

Caribbean Teak: Evokes a tropical getaway with notes of teakwood, suntan lotion, sea mist, palm fronds, and a hint of rum. Endless summer vibes.

Midnight Forest: A magical night walk through a forest of pine, fir, hemlock, and cedar with cool night-blooming jasmine, moss, and leaves underfoot. Peaceful wilderness escape.

No matter the scent, Needa Scented Candles offers an affordable luxury experience through its hand-poured, artisanal candles. Uniquely scented soy candles transport you to a memory, set a mood, provide therapeutic aromatherapy, or just make your home smell amazing.

After over 25 years, Needa Scented Candles remains committed to Jane Smith’s founding vision: creating beautiful, exceptionally scented candles that bring people joy and make everyday moments feel more special. If you’re looking for a candle that’s pleasing to the eye, nose, and soul, Needa Scented Candles is a brand to explore.