LOCAL VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Pilgrim's Market Candles, Made Right Here

Author: Julie, Event Manager

Behind the scenes at Pilgrim’s Market is our very own modern-day chandler crafting “Made Right Here” (MRH) candles for our Gift Department! Small batch, hand-poured soy wax candles blended with essential oils or phthalate-free, aromatic scents to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

Our chandler, better known as Erika Ouzounian, the Gift & Floral Department manager, has a keen eye for stocking the shelves with an eclectic assortment of handcrafted, fair-trade keepsakes and gift ideas that delight locals and visitors alike. Candles have always been a staple in her department, so why MRH candles? Erika wanted to offer candles reminiscent of the North Idaho but found none to her liking. She researched candle making and decided to create her own line of candles to depict the wild beauty and splendor of Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho. In 2022, Pilgrim’s Made Right Here candles landed on the Gift Department shelves and became an instant hit!

Candle making is an exquisite fusion of art and science, resulting in a functional yet beautiful source of light and mood. When it comes to crafting a quality candle, there are no shortcuts-each step is crucial! Erika begins with sustainably sourced soy wax and cotton wicks to provide a clean, long-lasting burn. Then, she meticulously measures and mixes to ensure every candle is of the finest quality. Erika’s signature candles are blended with phthalate-free fragrances and scent profiles to capture the atmosphere and spirit of Coeur d’Alene. Some of her candle collection features landmarks, such as Tubbs Hill, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and CDA National Forest. She has even created candles to reflect our dynamic, ever-changing seasons! You can watch Erika in action as she demonstrates her candle-making process in her YouTube video on the Pilgrim’s Market website. She makes it look so easy!

Recently, Erika has expanded into making essential oil-infused candles for customers seeking a natural, aromatherapy experience. Our sense of smell is unique because it connects directly to the brain’s limbic system, allowing all scents to instantly evoke emotions and memories without conscious thought. The natural plant compounds in essential oil candles can revitalize and energize or soothe and relax for a variety of therapeutic effects. Erika’s Essential Oil Candle Collection includes lavender to support relaxation, lemon for an uplifting boost, and eucalyptus for respiratory health and mental clarity.

Pilgrim’s MRH candles are now best-sellers in the Gift Department! Erika handcrafts her candles in a variety of vessels-from glass jars featuring CDA scenery, to sleek and elegant 3-wick designs, to convenient travel tins, there’s a candle for every occasion. What challenges does Erika face with candle making? Erika immediately replies, “Keeping up with the demand for holidays. To date we have sold more than seven thousand MRH candles! I start making candles in July to prepare for the holidays!”

Erika’s innovative determination not only created a new MRH product for Pilgrim’s, but she has also captured the essence of Coeur d’Alene for everyone to enjoy anywhere! You can find Pilgrim’s MRH candles in our Gift Department. Thank you for shopping local!