PALMER – Lix & Stix Candle Co. is a new company that has been operating in Palmer since January. They are a home-based business using high-quality ingredients, such as 100 percent all-natural soy wax, crackling wooden wicks, premium fragrance oils and essential oils. All candles are hand-poured in small batches, and so far, the company has launched four scents.

“I immensely enjoy the craft behind making candles, knowing each candle is hand-made by me and someone else has the opportunity to enjoy something I physically made,” said owner Karen Duquette.

She went on to say, “I love seeing others enjoy something I created from the heart. More importantly, I am overwhelmed with the love and support of all my friends and family who have and continue to support me on this journey.”

Lix & Stix was founded to honor Duquette’s fur-child, Harley, a 165-pound bullmastiff Duquette and her husband John adopted in 2014. As with all big-breed dogs, Duquette explained, their life expectancy is shorter than most other dogs at typically 8 to 10 years. In April of this year, Harley turned nine. Though he moves a bit slower and is showing more gray around the muzzle, Duquette said he continues to be his lovable self.

When she started Lix & Stix Candles, Duquette said she wanted something that will carry Harley’s memory long after he’s gone. The logo includes a paw print. The name “Lix” is after how dogs give kisses, and “Stix” for both the wooden wicks and the sticks Harley loves to chase around the yard.

“Long after he’s gone, every candle we make, with every logo on every sticker and wood wick we use, Harley will forever be part of our candle making journey,” said Duquette.

By trade, Duquette is a respiratory therapist. She and her husband both worked throughout the entire coronavirus pandemic without skipping a beat. Duquette told Reminder Publishing although being a respiratory therapist has been rewarding and she’s had some lifechanging experiences with some “phenomenal” co-workers, she always wanted to do something more independent, being her own boss and in charge of her own destiny.

“I’ve always enjoyed candles from big manufacturers and even started buying from some smaller, more local crafters,” Duquette responded. “I have a passion for baking and that requires following a recipe, so does candle making. The wax-to-fragrance ratio is a recipe itself to be followed. In essence, I am putting two things I love together, baking and candles, which ultimately led to the formation of Lix & Stix Candles.”

Lix & Stix recently participated in the 2022 Faerie Festival in Adams. Their plan is to do some spontaneous pop-up marketing/sales events around the Palmer and Monson area. Those events will be announced on the various town Facebook pages, as well as Lix & Stix’s own Facebook page.

For the summer, Lix & Stix Candles are focusing on fine-tuning and preparing for the launch of their Fall Collection. They are working on introducing their first seasonal collection with new, exciting fragrances.

Duquette said she anticipates these to be introduced and launched in September, just in time for Fall. There is also a winter collection in the works.

In keeping true to their roots, all of their candles are 100 percent natural soy wax and wood wick, hand-poured in small batches.

Their goal, Duquette said, is to eventually establish a warehouse or studio establishment in Palmer. Duquette said a studio presence would allow them to maximize and increase production, but also provide an atmosphere where special events and candle making classes can be offered. In addition, to capitalize on brand-awareness, Lix & Stix is actively searching for boutiques, gift shops and small businesses that wish to carry their candles in their stores.

“We want to establish ourselves in the Palmer/Monson small business community,” Duquette said. “Becoming part of our local community and engaging on a positive level is our number one goal.”

Currently, Lix & Stix has launched four fragrances: Apples and Maple Bourbon, Brown Sugar and Fig, Cinnamon and Vanilla, and Lavender Driftwood, all offered in 16-ounce or 8-ounce jar.

Customers can order directly through their website at www.lixnstix.com or can keep up with the business on Facebook @LixandStix to keep up with the latest happenings. They can also be followed on Instagram @LixnStix.