Reviews

Leave us a note to let us know how you are enjoying your candles! Leave a comment here.

 

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I absolutely adore these candles. So much so that I brought them with me to Glasgow for my studentship - where my flatmates loved the candles so much that they've asked me to order more for them as well. What I'm saying is these candles are so dope that they'll accidentally turn you into an international candle mule.

~Kelsey

Kelsey

Neil,

I just got back to Seattle and could hardly wait to give my husband the merlot candle. The candle is burning brightly in our kitchen and the aroma is perfect. I was delighted to meet you and hear your enthusiam for candlemaking. I know our friends will love the merlot candles as hostess gifts. I look forward to seeing you on my next visit to California.

Mari

I'm burning the merlot right now. It is DIVINE. Thanks so much for creating a wonderful store!

Jen

My husband and I were touring Balboa Island last week while on vacation with our two little ones. Thank you, Neil, for showing us the enthusiasm you have for your craft! The process you shared was amazing, and the candles were all tempting and beautiful. The candles we purchased are much loved by their recipients, and now we're browsing your web-site to pick up a few for ourselves. Thank you again so much! Your candles are divine, and you can be sure to expect many new Portland-area customers.

Portlanders

 

As a self proclaimed "Candle Junkie". I have found the BEST candles ever! Not only is the shop located in a charming area but the owners are so friendly and personable! When I first found CandlEssence it was the great smell that drew me in and it will be the fabulous Neil and Stacey that will keep me coming back (oh yeah...and the candles too!). I just la la la love your candles!! XOXO

Melanie

Neil, it was great meeting you yesterday. Your love for your craft is infectious and your candles are wonderful...We will be back for more!

Chris

Neil, it was a pleasure to meet you today and to witness the candle making process first hand. We enjoyed watching and learning from you. Our Lemongrass candle will be in our home in Melbourne Australia from April 1st and we can't wait to light it. Rarely does one find a more passionate person immersed in their craft than you - congratulations. We will be back and look forward to meeting Stacey next visit. Best regards

Brenda & Phil Robinson

great, very informative, great pics of your candles, and waiting for mine, good going, luv ya xxx 

sylvia

 

Hello, my fellow Canadian! It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday! I love my candle,it smells awesome! I will be back in a few weeks for some gardinia:)

Cheers!

Jodi

O.C. California (Formerly Winnipeg Canada)

Jodi

I purchased a candle from your store this weekend and I love it! Thank you for your welcoming attitude and your candle advice. It is being shared by two people that love each other and love what the candle represents - an undying passion and love for each other and for life. I will be coming by again to buy more from my new favorite candle shop!

Matthew C

Hello, Your site is great. Regards, Valintino Guxxi

Valentino

 

These candles are wonderful and they last a long time. My favorites are the Lemongrass and the Red Hot Cinnamon. Not only do these candles smell wonderful they are beautiful to look at... I am a very happy consumer...

S.Fuller

Hello - We were just in your store over the weekend. One of the "people" from Canada :) Wanted to say thanks for explaining the candle-making process to my daughter, she is very inquisitive these days. Can't wait to dig into your site and place an order. Great product you have!!!! Will be back into visit soon!!!

Shelley

Hi Neal and Stacie, Greetings from Regan's mom in Idaho. The candles traveled very well and are burning and smelling wonderful!! Everyone (including patients) in my office are loving the "red white and blueberry." I am anxiously awaiting my Papaya Mango candle! I will see you on my next visit to the Island. You are an artist!

Sherry

: I have purchased (and burned) candles from many different stores and even homemade candles from friends. Candle Essence makes the highest quality, most even burning, and great smelling candles. Currently burning my Gardenia scented candle in my office. Love it.

John

I was in your store yesterday and bought an Ocean Breeze scented candle, met your cat Katy; such a beautiful kitty.

Love your store, and all your lovely candles and I just wanted to drop you a note.

Jeannie

 

Hi! my son and I visited your shop about 3 weeks ago, I love the way my lemon grass candle burns. It smells great in the kitchen! Your prices are great also. I plan to make a list of special orders of scents and colors when I collect my list of my girlfriends decor. I think they will make great christmas gifts. We enjoyed smelling all your great scents, and if we ever make it down to so. Ca again hopefully we will hit you on a pouring day! Thanks!

Valarie S.

Visited your store for the first time today - loved everything I saw! Can't wait to come back and get more candles :-)

Megan M

Best candles I've ever seen, smelled. I'm hooked!

Ed S.

I bought a "yucky" tumbleweed and love it. It's almost gone. You were right! Yours is the FIRST candle to burn so cleanly that my asthma didn't flare up! Thanks so much. I will be in to see your new place next time I am on Balboa. Keep making those awesome candles even asthmatics can use!

Karen W.

Can't wait to get back to the island to pick up our Leather and Lavendar candles. You have given us another reason to ride the motorcycle and I love anyone who does that!! After reading the comments I will have to get a Merlot candle for Laura as well. Rock on.

Clark and Laura

An excert from her blog.......

"Luckily, I passed by a candle store, and for some reason, candles and soaps are able to capture my attention almost as easily as pretty make up.  The store, CandlEssence was very quaint, with extremely friendly people behind the counter.  They had tons of different scents, and none of them were too nauseating.  You know how some sometimes when you walk by scented candles, you just gag from the overwhelming scent?  That didn’t happen here, even though the stores makes their own candles right on site.

All the candles were gorgeous, with this fiery pattern on it.  There were many different sizes to choose from, and also a hexagon shape on top of the traditional round columns.  I ended up getting a Lavender candle for my mom, and a Freesia one for myself.  The Lavender one smelled heavenly, while the Freesia has a very soft and sweet scent to it.  It just makes the room smell a bit sweeter, so it doesn’t distract me from say.. sleeping.

The store also sold cards with pictures painted by one of the lady’s behind the counter, so I got one as well since my mom likes paintings.  She has ones featuring flowers, boats (since Balboa Island has a lot of boats surrounding it), and other pretty landscapes.

The entire store was wonderful, and you can feel that the owners really put their heart and happiness into creating their candles and opening up the store.  If you’re not around this area, they do have an online store where you can purchase their candles: http://www.cecandles.com/"

 

Gloria

Hi, I live here on Balboa Island, & recieved 2 of your candles recently. I am a strong candle burner. I always bought my candles from ulimations, I thought they were the best. After burning 1 of yours I think differently. Yours are the best. They burn slow & you don't lose 1/2 of the wax. I just love them. I will come in soon. Keep up the good work, but don't get too expensive, as the Island tends to do.

Cindy

I could not be more pleased with my candle! When I walked into the store, I
thought it to be just another candle store, and as I walked down the isle and
read the scents on the candle labels, I was amazed to see such unique scents
featured, right then I understood that this is no ordinary candle store! The
gentleman that owns the store was more then helpful, as right after I walked in
a flood of people came in, and even though the store was busy and candles were
just flying off the shelf, he made it a point to make sure to offer me a custom
made candle, or answer any questions! I purchase candles often, and I will be
back soon! I found that I have become spoiled by the quality of the product, and
there is no way I could find that craftsman ship elsewhere! 
AMAZING product! I purchased one today, and it has
come to be one of the highest quality candles that has enterd my home, and I
purchase candles monthly mind you. So glad I found such a gem in your store!

Kori

My wife and I were making our annual visit to Southern Cal. Our older daughter graduated last May from the Vanguard Grad program and our younger daughter just graduated from Biola University. So we are not strangers to California. Our troop was shopping on Balboa when a wonderful armada of aromas captured my nose. It led me to your store. I bought a candle you suggested for my manager and she loves it. The scent was perfect. Thank you for sharing a little of your candle making expertise and your passion for it. God Bless you and your business.

Stephen - Longview, TX

Dear Stacey and Neil,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks for taking so much time with Luana and I this weekend. We stopped in on Saturday and spent quite a bit of time with Neil and then Yesterday, Monday chatting with Stacey. We really like your shop and hope to get back there again soon.
 
Thanks again for explaining your process and making us feel like friends.
 
Until next time....
Todd and Luana

I Love your candles.

After a long stressful day after work. I look forward to a glass or two of vino and a nice vanilla or chocolate candle.

Thank you for making my life better.

 

Amy

We enjoyed coming into your store when we were visiting with friends on Balboa Island. You and Oliver were so entertaining. Burning our candles and they are better than the Yankee Candles. Sincerely, Charlene

Charlene

Hey you two, love the smell of these candles, wow!, they'll be great in the
house and the color goes with my decor, keep up the good work, and Stacey keep
that man working, love you both, and thanks again, guess pier 1 has lost my
business!!!!!!! 

 

Sydlvia

.: My wife and I were making our annual visit to Southern Cal. Our older daughter graduated last May from the Vanguard Grad program and our younger daughter just graduated from Biola University.  So we are not strangers to California.  Our troop was shopping on Balboa  when a wonderful armada of aromas captured my nose.  It led me to your store.  I bought a candle you suggested for my manager and she loves it.  The scent was perfect. Thank you for sharing a little of your candle making expertise and your passion for it.  God Bless you and your business.

Stephen

Longview, Tx 

Steven

This email is long over due but I received the candles about a month ago and the box was just overflowing with the fragrance. Thank you for shipping the candles. You make a great product. The people I gave them to loved the candles.

-Alex  

Alex

 

I love your candles and am sad that I moved away from the NB area.  Hope your summer is going well and your success continues! 

Andrea

 

I bought a 3" balsam pine when visiting your shop in September. I'm a novelist, and left you with a card.

 

I'm in the editorial phase of my latest book rewrite, usually a 150 hour job. I'm using your candle to time myself.

 

You can see more about the latest novel that's revised with the scent of your candle at www.austinboyd.com

 

Thanks for the great product.

 

Austin Boyd 

Austin

 

We visited your store today, the beautiful Chinese lady and me were with another couple, my sister and brother-in-law.  Great dog... great candles.  We will be ordering online if we cannot get back before we travel home to NYC.
William
Thank you for the pleasure of your time and fragrances this past weekend.  My husband and I were on an anniverary weekend. What a delight today, to burn our "blood orange"and enjoy the 'citrus' throughout our little cottage.  (It has made the perfect-well-just as you instructed us!! :) It's so fine to meet folk who are still handcrafting! Best to you and hubby, Neil. Sincerely, The Smiths
Janis and Art

 

On the way home through the airport your candles were the hit with the security personnel.  They made my backpack smell so good from the Blood Orange candle.  I passed out your email address and I hope you get some future orders.  I will be ordering from you in the future.  Have a great time attending your daughter's graduation.
Tammy

 

Just wanted to say I loved the candle - burned just as long as you said it would with a great scent that actually filled the room!  I'll be ordering some for the holidays!
Priscilla

 

For Mother's day we came down to eat and of course everytime we come down, we go to your store.  My 17 year old son loved your candles also so I ended buying him candles.  His room smells great.    Thanks
Barbara

 

I visited California in April 2011 and stumbled in when I was walking around in Balboa Island. It was the perfect gift to get my Aunt (who brought me on the vacation and paid for me to go with her) and for my father. The candles smell so great that I decided to order more. Thank you Neil and Stacey!  -Billy  Westchester County, New York
Billy

 

My mother and I visited your store last year at this time. I LOVE the Blood Orange scent and I WANT MORE!!!
Leslie

 

We purchased a plumeria and pineapple cilantro candle over the summer and brought them home to Dallas, TX. The plumeria is about 3/4 of the way gone (sad), but am anxious to start burning the pineapple cilantro soon. Look for an order from us soon as there are other scents we would like to try and also share with our friends in TX. We hope to visit your store again next summer!
Ellen

 

Just love your Candles,   Kristel W
Kristel

 

We purchased a plumeria and pineapple cilantro candle over the summer and brought them home to Dallas, TX. The plumeria is about 3/4 of the way gone (sad), but am anxious to start burning the pineapple cilantro soon. Look for an order from us soon as there are other scents we would like to try and also share with our friends in TX. We hope to visit your store again next summer!
Ellen

 

I love your candles....they are great...Great scents...
Sharon

 

Everytime we visit Balboa Island your candle store is a must...All the candles are wonderful..I just bought Lemon Grass and Melon and Cucumbers...They are great!   Thank you so much...
June

 

OMG!!!! I was over at your store this weekend and i love it, it was my second time buying candles from you and belive me i will never buy candles anywhere else, i actually went home and threw all my other brand candles away lol... I wish someday you will bring back fresh cut roses and cranberry which i know i was raving about at your store because i loved them so much!!! Oh and by the way i also have new favs which i bought lol and ill be back for more!!!  Love your #1 fan Jen :)
Jennifer

 

Hi!  I was visiting Balboa Island for my second year...particularly for your shop!    I received my candles and just want you to know how WONDERFUL they are and how much I appreciate them.  Thank you again and I will be in touch with another order soon!  Jen  Alexandria, Virginia
Jen

 

Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful candles. Think you know my Aunt Ruth Sjoholm and have even delivered her some candles for me over the holidays. My candles are burned out here in Maryland. Will be calling today to have some shipped. I must say I did't believe my Aunt when she told me about your candles, I am a believer now. It is like bringing home a little piece of that great island with you. Reminds me of great quite beautiful memories! Thank you again!
Cathy

 

HI! I just today ran across your shop, and I just love your candles. I have never ordered or even knew about your site, but now that I do..I am shopping. Thank-you
Regina

 

My blood orange candle is almost gone!  I am glad you had a sticker on the bottom with your website!
Janet

 

I Love your candles. After a long stressful day after work. I look forward to a glass or two of vino and a nice vanilla or chocolate candle. Thank you for making my live better.  Amy
Amy
Was at Balboa Island this weekend,  of course had to get a candle from your store.  I love going to your store because you make it so warm and welcoming.  Of course Oliver helps too. My lemongrass candle gives such a nice scent throughout my bedroom and hallway. It so relaxing after a day at work.  Thanks again.
Barbara

 

Visited you store. I love candles.  Enjoyed all the different scents. Of course I couldn't leave without buying couple of candles with granite and another candle holder.  I could go crazy in there, lucky for me my husband was with me.   I am glad you have a web site.  Thanks!
Barbara

 

Hi Neil and Stacey!  Don't know if Andy, Zeus and I can make it to the party, but sure will try. Can't wait to smell your holiday candles!!!!!   dean
Dean

 

Neil,  It was great to finally meet you today, and your store is an amazing feast to the senses...in every aspect! Thank you for my special order...I lighted it as soon as I got home and it's amazing! Sorry we missed Stacey...but you kept us quite entertained! I will be back for all of my gift needs, and I'll bring dots next time...promise!  Debbie aka @dippindotwoman Dippin' Dots, Fountain Valley
Debbie

 

Hi, just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying the Ocean Breeze candle I purchased in your store last week while on vacation.  I live in AZ now but grew up in S CA.
Denise

 

Hello and thank you! A friend - co worker lost two sons. her heart is broken. I did not know what I can do to bring just a moment of happy thoughts. You came to mind. I find peace when i light your candles. I find myself thinking of happy thoughts. I bought her one and then I saw something that was called a miracle.............. A smile from a mother that lost two angels. A smile that I knew she was in place with memories of her children. Thank you for making your candles with such love. Diane
Diane

 

We have not been to Balboa Island for over a year and were glad to see you guys are doing well last weekend. You have a wonderful new store and wish you a very successful future. Your candles are the best!!! Probably swing by over the Holidays.  Jack and Sharon
Jack and Sharon

 

I was in your store yesterday with my friend...we were taking pics.  What a great store!  And Neil, you are the friendliest person ever!  I will definitely purchase some candles from you very soon!!  Thank you for your kindness!! Jackie
Jackie

 

Hi, I was in your store yesterday and bought an Ocean Breeze scented candle, met your cat Katy; such a beautiful kitty.  Love your store, and all your lovely candles and I just wanted to drop you a note.  Jeannie
Jeannie

 

nice website.  too bad we can't also smell the candles online.  Maybe that will be the next innovation from Google.
Jeff

 

Neil, Stacey and Ollie! I miss you guys! I definitely miss the candles. I need to order some asap and I will be. Everyone is AZ that have been over to my place love the candles and I always tell them about you guys. I miss the pineapple basil candle and the mango papaya. I hope you make them again soon. Lots of Love.   Jennie
Jennie

 

I love the black ginger candle I bought! You rock! Your store rocks! I told everyone I thought would listen that they need to run over there and BUY BUY BUY!!!  P.S. Are you incorporated? I may want to buy stock in your company!
Jeremiah

 

Hi, I came across your candle business on twitter. I recently began following you @JimTheCandleMan . I like your store gallery and it says alot that you specifically concentrate on pillar candles. I do not happen to sell that style candle, should someone inquire about these types of candles I can shoot them your way. Cheers
Jimmy

 

Hello, my fellow Canadian! It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday!  I love my candle,it smells awesome!  I will be back in a few weeks for some gardinia:)  Cheers! Jodi O.C. California (Formerly Winnipeg Canada)
Jodi

 

My friends and I went on a little trip to Balboa Island and couldn't help but to go in Neil's store and find an amazing selection of candles and fragrances. I really enjoyed the candles! Keep up the good work, Neil!
Juka

 

Neil, My wife and I wanted to thank you for the best candle we have ever purchased! We had gone into your store a year ago with no intent to buy anything but found a candle that just described us perfectly so we had to get it, it was one of your "one of a kind candles". We absolutely love it and is still our favorite to this day, until we go back again of course (which will hopefully be soon).   Thank You Again, Justin and Heather
Justin
Hi guys! Just getting some beautiful deep red merlot candles to brighten up my mom's home this holiday season. Wish I could pick them up in person, but Watsonville is a little too far off for that.   Have a great party tomorrow at the store!  Best to both of you, Kathy O'
Kathleen
I could not be more pleased with my candle! When I walked into the store, I thought it to be just another candle store, and as I walked down the isle and read the scents on the candle labels, I was amazed to see such unique scents featured, right then I understood that this is no ordinary candle store! The gentleman that owns the store was more then helpfull, as right after I walked in a flood of people came in, and even though the store was busy and candles were just flying off the shelf, he made it a point to make sure to offer me a custom made candle, or answer any questions! I purchase candles often, and I will be back soon! I found that I have become spoiled by the quality of the product, and there is no way I could find that craftsman ship elsewhere!
Kori

 

Hi there, I really like the candles that Neil makes.  Thanks for your time.
Lou

 

Hello Neil & Stacey  Visited Balboa Island for the first time and we enjoyed it. We made it back home to south texas safely. I haven't had the opportunity to light the candle but it sure does make the room smell awesome and I haven't started to burn the candle yet.   Much success to you both.   Say hello to Oliver.  Your friends in Corpus Christi, TX .  Donovon and Margot
Donovon and Margot
What a hot webpage! Astounding variety!
Nan
I visited your store last summer and bought a larger orange pomander.  But now the wick is buried and I can't get it out so I have a lot of candle left and can't use it. I'm ordering a smaller one and hope the wick doesn't get buried again - I just love the scent.
Marcia

 

Was on Balboa Island and bought candles... got home and W O W... the scents are wonderful.
Nancy
Hello - We were just in your store over the weekend.  One of the "people" from Canada :) Wanted to say thanks for explaining the candle-making process to my daughter, she is very inquisitive these days. Can't wait to dig into your site and place an order.  Great product you have!!!!  Will be back into visit soon!!!
Shelley
Hi Neal and Stacie,  Greetings from Regan's mom in Idaho.  The candles traveled very well and are burning and smelling wonderful!!  Everyone (including patients) in my office are loving the "red white and blueberry." I am anxiously awaiting my Papaya Mango candle!  I will see you on my next visit to the Island.  You are an artist!   Sherry
Sherry
I LOVED ALL OF MY CANDLES!!!! I LIVE IN BALBOA ISLAND AND EVERY TIME I PASS BY YOUR STORE..... I GET THIS MOST WONDERFUL PEACFUL FEELING. I NEVER WALKED IN BECAUSE I THOUGHT YOUR CANDLES WOULD BE TO MUCH MONEY.I WAS SO WRONG!!!! I BOUGHT FIVE ON SATURDAY AND THEN ON MONDAY I BOUGHT 6 MORE!!!! WONDERFUL GIFTS FOR MYSELF AND MY FRIENDS..... THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT AFFORDABLE. SONIA
Sonia
Came by your shop on Friday 3/19/10 with several friends, and had a wonderful time meeting you and Oliver!  Your candles are gorgeous and smell wonderful!  Thanks again!
Terri
Your candles are absolutely beautiful!  Have you thought of wholesale?  I see you are located in CA and I am in FL.  Would love to have your candles here.  Thank you, T.R.
Tina
Hey Neil.  Love the new store. Had no idea you were so talented. lol.  Glad to hear you are doing so well.  Your store looks really kewl.  Keep in touch  Tracy
Tracy
Stacey, I still have several of the candles we made years ago, don't want to burn them!  :) Y
Yvonne
Stacey,  I still have the one you made me many years ago with pot pouri in it :)  We lost touch after I moved to Florida, now am in N. Carolina.    Hope all is well, will be placing an order soon :)  Yvonne
Yvonne

Thank you for sending your amazing eucalyptus scented candle to us all the way in Ontario Canada.You've done a great job in making life more pleasurable to so many people with your over the top flavours of smell. A joy to the scences. 

Gord and Connie

 

I am a self proclaimed candle expert, and want to say yours are the very best. First, the scents are wonderful, soft yet potent, and last till the final burn. I love the oak moss best. Your candles burn nicely and evenly down to the last little bit of wax disappears, practically no waste unlike any other candles I have purchased. Also, when the candle is blown out or snuffed, the only thing you smell is a lingering of the scent. Every other candle out there but yours, leaves the room smelling of pungent wax and burnt wick when extinguished. Your candles do not, this is worth the price alone. Your candles also give off the most beautiful glow as light emanates from most of the pillar, like a window, not just from the wick. And lastly, the colors are a lovely accent to any room. I am just such a fan, I drive down to Balboa a couple of times a year now just to shop at your store and stock up. Thank you for being such a contientous artisan and businessman.

 

Valerie

 

Love these candles, the owners and Balboa Island. Over the years I have probably tried every brand out there. Candle Essence is the best I have ever purchased and are now the only ones I will buy. They smell heavenly, look beautiful when lit and last a long time. Recently I have been burning Jasmine every evening, I have them in a set of tall chunky wood candlesticks on my coffee table, They are so beautiful and smell perfect for a summer evening. I have 3.

Sandra

Thank you for the wonderfully hand crafted candle. It smells so lovely and is burning nicely on my coffee table with a Christmas tree in the background.

Steve G.

Hi, I just had a comment.  I first ordered your candles on Amazon because I am a candle lover, especially at the holidays!  Hard to find good pillars anymore and especially ones that burn just wonderfully...I purchased one on Amazon The Gardenia , just lovely! I have been burning candles a very long time and these are just amazing!!  I put another order in on here, your website versus Amazon.  I will be ordering more!  Thanks, amazing candles for sure :)

Annemarie C.

.: These candles are terrific! They burn slowly and evenly and have adorned my home for over 14 years. The colors are vibrant and cheerful.

Mary

.: Well! Just received my order very quickly and I am bowled over. Candles are beautiful and fragrance lovely. Thank you for helping me socially isolate on my 3 season porch. Will recommend highly!!!

Kathy

 

.: Hi this is my 1st purchase. I bought 3 pumpkin scented (orange) colored candles for decorating 3 olive green pillar holders!

Absolutely beautiful in both color and fragrance was so great! You could smell the candles right through the box! Incredible!

You have a fabulous candle line! I decorate each room. I look forward to shopping back soon!

Thank you so much!

Jill 

Jill

.: Fantastic scents, perfect for setting the atmosphere at that quiet time in the morning, really beautiful candles. First time I have purchased directly and enjoyed fast delivery and good response to questions. Would thoroughly recommend as gifts to the candle lovers in your life.

Gary

I am a loyal CE customer going back to the Balboa Island days. I have many favorite scents, but I have to rave about the "Chocolate" candle -- especially during the holiday/winter season. It fills my home with the cozy warmth of hot milk chocolate. Less calories than the real thing!

Denise C.