Hobby becomes a thriving local candle business

By Billie Davern

Jan 17, 2025

Ambilite Candle Co began as a passion project but has become a thriving local business. Photo by Contributed

When Melanie Brooks’ husband said she couldn’t buy any more candles, she decided to ask herself, “Well, what if I learn to make them?”

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And that’s exactly what she did.

Melanie has been running Ambilite Candle Co for just under a year, and has been making candles since 2023.

When she started, Melanie would spend hours over the stove, double boiling the wax and ensuring everything was precise.

“It’s a very precision-based industry,” Melanie said.

“You do a lot of measuring to make sure you’re being very specific with what you’re mixing in.”

In October last year, Melanie’s process became a bit more seamless when she purchased a melting pot with a spout.

Where candle-making used to take her anywhere from three and a half days to a week, Melanie is now able to get her stock done in three days straight.

Ambilite Candle Co has not only allowed Melanie to explore her passion for candle-making, but also has provided her with a personal income that has been helpful to go towards her teaching degree.

“I’m on the autism spectrum, so it’s not only been helpful having an income outside of my husband’s work, but I’ve also used a lot of the income I’ve earned to go towards my textbooks for university,” she said.

Melanie has exciting new enhancements coming up for her business, with her website launching on February 28.

She also has a future goal of opening up a store front with manufacturing in the back, which would provide a more permanent space for her to sell her products, and run candle-making workshops.

Despite having big goals, Melanie has already made notable achievements in the past year, running stalls at Benalla, Devenish and Nathalia markets as well as at the Finley show, selling through Heart of Art in Benalla, and donating candles to Benalla Theatre Company’s raffle.

Melanie also said that often she would attend markets with 50 candles available for purchase, and leave with only about 20 left.

It is the encouragement from those around her that has allowed Melanie to thrive in her business.

“I’ve been really lucky to have support workers who’ve helped me out when I’ve been under the pump,” Melanie said.

To find more information about Ambilite Candle Co, or to order a made-to-order candle, contact Melanie on ambilitecandleco@gmail.com or give her a call on 0466 234 071.