From the left: Wanda Gareau-Hunt and her son Samuel Hunt, co-owners of Blue Clover Candle Co. Courtesy Photo
WILLIAMSTOWN – If you are looking for an opportunity to freshen up your home while supporting a new local business, then Blue Clover Candle Co. is sure to please.
Wanda Gareau Hunt, who is co-owner of the business with her son Samuel Hunt, formed the company in August 2024 and provides scented candles, room sprays and reed diffusers to customers. The products are hand-made at their home site, with Wendy noting their products are paraben and phthalate free.
“At Blue Clover Candle Co., our story began when a new chapter opened in our lives. When our son, Samuel, who has Down Syndrome, graduated from high school, we found the perfect opportunity to embark on a meaningful venture together. With the unwavering support of our family and friends, we purchased a candle company – something that would not only bring us joy but also provide Samuel with a path toward fulfilling his employment dreams.” commented Wanda.
The name of the company “carries deep personal meaning” for the family, as “Blue” represents “Samuel’s striking blue eyes, a reflection of the light he brings into our lives”. said Wanda, before continuing how “Clover” a nod to her son’s “Irish and agricultural roots” as well as being “a nod to ‘lucky few’ who are blessed to have someone with Down Syndrome in their family.”
Wanda mentioned how her son “is at the heart of what we do, and together, we hand-pour our passion into every candle we create.” She continued how their goal “is to build something beautiful and purposeful-handcrafting candles that bring warmth to others while supporting Samuel’s ambitions and growth” noting how “I would love to see the company grow enough to hire other young adults with special needs.”
One of the challenges encountered when starting this journey was discovering what business would work for both Samuel and Wanda. Both were looking for the opportunity to enjoy and challenge both of them to learn new things while enjoying the experience. Wanda mentioned how the opportunity to purchase Driftwood Candle Co. was fortuitous, and owning their company allows them the “flexibility of working from home and in our situation the opportunity for Sam to work and contribute.”
“At Blue Clover Candle Co., it’s more than just beautiful, hand-poured, soy candles – it’s about celebrating the special moments and people that light up our lives.” commented Wanda.
More information on Blue Clover Candle Co. is available on their Facebook page and website located at blueclovercandles.ca. Wanda explained how products are able to be purchased on their website as well as at vendor markets they attend.
If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.