Garand Candles in Charleston: Handmade Soy Candles and Custom Orders

What Garand Candles makes and where to find them

Garand Candles is a Charleston-based candle maker specializing in hand-poured soy candles with a focus on natural ingredients and custom orders. The shop works primarily through direct orders and pop-up appearances rather than a permanent retail location, so you'll need to check their current schedule before visiting. They create candles in small batches, which means each order takes time but also means you're getting a product made specifically for you rather than mass-produced inventory.

The candles are made from soy wax, a plant-based alternative to paraffin that burns cleaner and longer. Garand sources fragrance oils and essential oils for their scents, and they work with customers to develop custom blends if you want something beyond their standard offerings. This approach appeals to people who want to know what's going into their home, especially those sensitive to synthetic fragrances or concerned about indoor air quality.

Key Takeaways

• Garand Candles operates through custom orders and pop-up events rather than a fixed storefront, so confirm their current availability before planning a visit.
• All candles are hand-poured from soy wax in small batches, meaning production takes longer than mass-market candles but gives you a made-to-order product.
• You can request custom scent blends or container choices, making Garand a good option for gifts or specific décor needs.
• Soy candles from Garand burn longer and cleaner than paraffin alternatives, with no added dyes or synthetic additives unless you request them.

How to place a custom order

Start by reaching out through their social media or website to discuss what you're looking for. Tell them the scent profile you want—whether that's floral, woodsy, citrus, or something you've smelled elsewhere—and they'll work with you to match or create it. You'll also choose your container size and type, which affects both the burn time and the final price.

Once you've settled on the details, Garand will give you a timeline for production. Because candles are hand-poured and need time to cure properly, expect to wait at least a week or two, sometimes longer during busy seasons. They'll confirm your order in writing so there's no confusion about what you're getting, and they'll let you know when it's ready for pickup or shipping.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Garand Candles prices vary based on container size, fragrance complexity, and whether you're ordering a standard scent or a custom blend. A basic 8-ounce candle typically costs less than a larger 16-ounce version, and custom scents command a higher price than their signature blends. If you're ordering multiple candles or a large custom batch, ask about volume pricing—many small makers offer discounts for bigger orders.

Shipping is an additional cost if you're not picking up locally, and it can be significant because candles are heavy and fragile. Local pickup in Charleston is usually the most economical option if you're in the area. If you're ordering from out of state, factor in shipping time as well as production time when you're planning a gift or event.

Popular scents and signature offerings

Garand rotates their signature scents seasonally, so what's available in summer may differ from fall or winter. Common themes include Charleston-inspired scents—think salt marsh, magnolia, and coastal notes—as well as classic options like vanilla, lavender, and cedar. They also create seasonal limited editions that reflect the time of year, such as pumpkin spice in autumn or pine and cinnamon around the holidays.

If you're new to the shop and unsure what to order, ask for their most popular scents or describe the mood you're going for. A candle meant to relax you needs a different fragrance profile than one meant to energize a workspace or welcome guests. Garand's team can steer you toward options that match what you actually want to smell, rather than just what sounds nice in a description.

Finding Garand Candles at pop-ups and markets

Beyond custom orders, Garand Candles appears at Charleston-area craft markets, pop-up shops, and seasonal events throughout the year. These appearances let you see and smell the candles in person before ordering, which is especially helpful if you're sensitive to fragrance or want to match a scent to your home's décor. Check their social media regularly for announcements about upcoming appearances, as the schedule changes month to month.

Pop-up locations often include farmers markets, holiday craft fairs, and independent retail events around the Charleston area. Arriving early to these events is wise because popular scents and sizes can sell out, especially during the holiday season. If you miss a pop-up, you can always place a custom order directly—that's actually their primary business model.

Why soy candles matter for your home

Soy wax burns slower and cooler than paraffin, which means a Garand candle lasts longer than a similarly sized mass-market candle. The slower burn also produces less soot, so you won't see black buildup on your walls or ceiling over time. For people with asthma, allergies, or general sensitivity to air quality, this difference is noticeable and meaningful.

Soy is also a renewable resource, whereas paraffin is a petroleum byproduct. If sustainability matters to you—whether for environmental reasons or just preference—soy candles align with that value. Garand's hand-poured approach also means less packaging waste than factory-made candles, though you'll want to ask about their specific packaging practices if that's a priority for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Garand Candle burn?

Burn time depends on the candle's size and wick, but soy candles generally burn 30 to 50 percent longer than paraffin candles of the same size. An 8-ounce soy candle typically burns for 40 to 60 hours, while a 16-ounce burns for 80 to 120 hours. Ask Garand for the specific burn time when you order, since it varies by scent and container.

Can I order a candle as a gift if I don't live in Charleston?

Yes. Garand ships custom orders nationwide, though you'll need to factor in production time plus shipping time. Place your order at least three to four weeks before you need the gift to account for hand-pouring and curing. Let them know your deadline when you order so they can prioritize accordingly.

What if I don't like the scent I ordered?

Contact Garand directly to discuss the issue. Because these are custom orders, they may offer to adjust a future candle or discuss what went wrong with the scent profile. Their goal is your satisfaction, so they're usually willing to work with you—just reach out before you've burned the entire candle.

Do Garand Candles use essential oils or fragrance oils?

They use both, depending on the scent and your preference. Essential oils are natural but can be pricier and less stable in candles; fragrance oils are synthetic but offer more scent throw and consistency. Ask which type is in a specific candle, or request one or the other when you place a custom order.

How do I find out when Garand appears at markets or pop-ups?

Follow their social media accounts—Instagram and Facebook are the most common platforms for small makers to announce appearances. You can also reach out directly and ask for their upcoming schedule. Signing up for their email list, if they offer one, ensures you don't miss announcements about new scents or special events.