Story by Eden Washington. Photos from Passion Factor Candle Company.

January 13, 2022. So my peers and I at Friendship Online Academy have been back in school from the winter break for two weeks, but it feels like I never took a break at all. I am already looking forward to the next day off. I heard a comedian say teachers live from holiday to holiday, lol. Students do too. But in the meantime, while academics are back in session and extracurricular activities are picking up, I look forward to my down time when I recharge and center myself in preparation for the next day. For years, my favorite scents came from large chain commercial stores, but recently I’ve been supporting local businesses that help keep resources in the community. Just a few miles outside the nation’s capital, a mom of four has created a candle company and her products are AWESOME. The carefully hand-crafted candles and soap are delightful with every whiff. Allow me to introduce you to the Passion Factor Candle Company. It’s here to “Ignite Your Senses”.

Passion Factor Candle Company is a well-stocked online store that can rival any of your favorite fragrances at large chain commercial stores. Two things I like most about Passion Factor is that it has the most unique selection of scents and really intriguing names for the scents to make you want to try them. I challenge you to find something on the scent menu on their website that is as tantalizing as your favorite fragrance from the best contender. Not only are the candles, soap, and wax melts all handmade, they are made with organically sustainable ingredients. The candles are made with 100% soybean wax and the wick is lead free and self trimming to ensure a clean burn every time you light your candle. The soap is made with coconut oil, which yields a very rich lather. While perusing the website, the only thing that I was unhappy about was the fact that there was no “scratch and sniff” feature.

The bar and cake soap are beautifully handcrafted and look amazingly edible. They even offer a sampler scent shot box where you try out the scents before you buy. I received a package for Christmas with Cherry Lemonade soap, Apple-tini scoopable wax melts, Fruit Bouquet wax brittle, and a Wildberry Moose scented candle. My items arrived neatly and creatively packaged with care. I have also tried the Pink Moscato and the Summer’s Essence candles and they both smell AMAZING.

Items are moderately priced between $5.99 for artisan soaps and $7.99 for wax brittle and wax melts. Signature and Shea Souffle candles start around $15, and specialty candles can cost as much as $29.99. Passion Factor also offers pre-made mystery boxes and will allow you to create your own gift box with your favorite scents.

Black history month and Valentine’s Day are around the corner, so show someone you care. Check out this family-owned local business and ignite your senses. I dare you.

Eden Washington is a 7th grade scholar at Friendship Public Charter School Online.

Ignite Your Senses with Candles by Passion Factor Candle Company