Way Out Wax

In the beginning...

Way back in 1992, Jim Rossiter and a few dear friends began making candles under the name Way Out Wax. The original shop in downtown Burlington featured "dip your own" candles as well as the "Kaleidoscope" candle (which was every bit as colorful as the name implies). After selling tie-dyed t-shirts at rock concerts, making a tie-dyed candle was a natural and profitable progression. The Kaleidoscopes and other Tie-Dyed candles grew steadily in popularity and had made quite a name for themselves by 1995 when Jim became increasingly aware that colorful candles aren't in harmony with a healthy lifestyle.

The "A-Ha!" Moment

Candle dyes, though beautiful, are highly toxic and release a number of known toxins and carcinogens into the air while a candle is burning. A company full of people who pride themselves on recycling, carpooling, eating organic food and being environmentally conscious need to apply principles of healthy living to every aspect of their lives! The Kaleidoscopes were bid a fond farewell and a new plan was hatched.

Pure Botanical Essences

Working in conjunction with a certified aromatherapist, Way Out Wax decided to pursue all-natural aromatherapy candles. Already skilled in the mechanics of candle-making thanks to the Kaleidoscope-phase, they now could concentrate on sourcing pure essential oils and the finest, all-natural wax blends. The results were amazing. They launched a line of single scent aromatherapy candles as well as a line of synergistic blends created by their friend and mentor, certified aromatherapist Wendy Dorsey.

Standing Out In Our Industry

Over time, Way Out Wax faced many of the dilemmas facing other environmentally conscious companies. Reducing packaging, recycling cardboard and even wax were just some of the ways they met the challenges inherent in the business world. Soon, Way Out Wax began appearing in natural foods markets across the country, as consumers began to realize that their candles need to match their lifestyles. Using the phrase "It's What's Inside That Counts", Way Out Wax explained to consumers that subtle, natural hues are beautiful and offered alternatives to the candle dyes and synthetic fragrances found in the mainstream candle market.

These Days...

Today, Way Out Wax remains more committed than ever to providing an environmentally friendly candle in an increasingly toxic world. We strive to reduce our ecological footprint while providing an affordable, practical and uncompromised aromatherapy experience. We are also having a lot of fun and enjoying delicious aromas while proving that candles can be both beautiful and completely natural.

Below are some images from our colorful past...

(click to view larger photo)