J. M. Tkalec’s candles are about more than light and color. They’re mood barometers, memory joggers and ambiance makers that tap into his customers’ sense of smell.

With more than 80 scents ranging from the traditional (such as lavender and sweet pea) to the outrageous (such as rustic cabin and bacon) the owner of The Lit Wick Candle Co. understands the power of personalization.
“My candles are like Rorschach tests with no wrong answers,” he says. “Everyone reacts to them differently.”

Tkalec, who people call the Candleman, still hand-pours his candles. Slight color variations between batches are proof of their individuality.

Tkalec, who spent seven years on the craft show circuit before opening a new store in Fairlawn in November, is part mad scientist because he’s always experimenting with new scents and part comedian in the way he interacts with clients.

“Everything turns into stand-up,” he says. “I do everything with humor.”

Dream Catcher Recalling the smell of his mom’s cedar chest, Tkalec says he was in a lonesome mood when he created the Hope Chest candle — a blend of cedar, peaches, roses and citrus. “It’s full of hopes and dreams … but no mothballs,” he says.

Just Add Chestnuts It took his customers at the Stow Fire Department two years to persuade Tkalec to produce his Campfire candle. Turns out, there’s a market for it. “People with gas fireplaces burn it for that wood-burning fireplace smell,” he says.

Sweet and Hot The Sweet Orange Chili Pepper candle is Tkalec’s top seller. Inspired by real chili peppers he smelled at a Phoenix art show, it’s a blend of Valencia and Bergamot oranges, navel orange juice, tangerine, ground pepper, and red and green pepper oils.

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