

Candlemaker Louis Hotchkiss on The Secrets of His Craft
Dec 25, 2024
Join Louis Hotchkiss, the former president of KOBO candles and a master in the art of candle making. He shares fascinating insights into which wax burns cleanly and how wick types can impact the candle's burn and scent throw. Louis also discusses common mistakes in candle care—like why you shouldn't chip away at wax—as well as the importance of using snuffers. Dive into the secrets of fragrance oils and their effects on indoor air quality, alongside reflections on personal grooming and music, making candle care a delightful experience.
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Accidental Candlemaker
- Louis Hotchkiss's candle-making journey began unexpectedly when a friend, Jose, taught him the craft.
- This started with daily candle-making sessions and evolved into the creation of Kobo Candles.
Outsourcing Candle Production
- Many major candle brands outsource their candle production to specialized manufacturers.
- These brands often focus on marketing, lacking the expertise or resources for in-house production.
Understanding Throw
- "Throw" describes a candle's scent strength, both when unlit (cold throw) and burning (hot throw).
- A good candle's cold and hot throws should be similar, indicating quality and proper formulation.