Faller Road Candles

Written by Erin Bolton | Photos by Megan Davis

Following her CT Tech career of many years, Kim Ridgell’s definition of retirement is a little different than most. After retirement she joined The Southern Spoon Catering Company with lifelong friend, Toni Clemons.

It was during this time that Kim accidentally launched a candle business. Terral, her husband of 33 years, noticed her boredom during the off-season, and took it upon himself to order her a candle making startup kit. When she posted about starting to make candles on social media she received over 200 preorders in a two-week period; hence, Faller Road Candles was born.

Encouraged by the interest, Kim began doing research.  “I reached out to friends from Vintage who I knew made candles to find out more on the criteria. Things like when to pour, what size wicks go best in different types of jars, etc. We watched countless how-to videos on candle science and continued doing our homework.”

She then developed her branding with the help of her friend, Amanda Hammonds, over a cup of PJ’s coffee.  She’d heard that it was helpful to name the candles after things that were meaningful to her, and Hammonds, knowing Kim, suggested "Oh Happy Day!” Kim said “Yes, that’s perfect,” and now that has become Faller Road’s signature candle and best seller.

Her next request was from her friend Dayna Breaud looking for a signature candle she could sell and market in her business.  After months of testing scent combinations, "Can I Get an Amen" was born and has become another fan favorite.  “From there,” Kim continued, “it just kept growing, so I started naming them after special things in my life including each of my daughters, Amanda and Allie.”

Making candles makes me happy. I don't see myself retiring from this any time soon. I enjoy working directly with friends and neighbors, and adding new products each year. That's what makes it sow rewarding for me.- Kim Ridgell

Kim sells her candles in several locations throughout the parish, at Roomie’s Merry Market every year, and in her home at two annual shows. They are purchased for home and office, wedding and shower favors, teacher gifts, and more.

“Every year, I try to add one more thing, says Kim. “I’ve added wax melts, candle tins, sprays, and dough bowls. This year, I’ve added laundry detergent to the mix, and I do it all here in that little room right there” as she points down the hall. She said she looks for something new for every holiday season.

Along with several locations throughout the parish, you can also find them on Facebook under Kim Ridgell or Faller Road Candles. Kim looks forward to making “Oh, Happy Day” and other Faller Road Candles products for many years to come.

When asked where she sees herself in the future, Kim said she doesn’t really have a huge goal because it has already become way more than she ever imagined, and for that, she is grateful. “I just want it to continue to be a positive thing where there is a lot of interaction with people.”

“The way it is now and has been for the past five years, I can do special pours at night if necessary to get orders out for people to pick up. I never want it to get where I’m not offering the same good quality and customer service that I have taken pride in since 2018.”