Student Activities Hosts Workshop With Hand Poured Candle Company

Hushed chatter and laughter. Delicate clinks and clanks of glass. The sweet and comforting aroma of various fragrances gently passing through the air.

All of this filled the air in the LaHaye Event Space Thursday, Feb. 25, as students learned the skill of pouring candles at the Student Activities Workshop.

Reggie and Kena Odrick taught all of the tips and tricks behind the candle making process, using their experiences as the owners of the Hill And River Collection candle company. The Odricks taught 25 students step-by-step tutorials on how to make two candles, and at the end of the session, students took home their creations. 

Each student had their own workspace, with multiple different supplies for the candle making process laid out neatly. Two small glass jars, popsicle sticks for mixing, two wicks, two metal clasps and a glass measuring bowl were all included. On the other side of the room were tables with burners and pots, set up and ready for wax melting.

Before the demonstration began, Reggie and Kena told the students about themselves and the origin of their company. The name Hill And River Collection holds a special meaning to the young couple.

“We decided to name our company Hill And River Collection because Lynchburg, Virginia (is known as) The Hill City, and Richmond, Virginia (is known as) The River City. They are places we call home,” Kena said.

Because of this, a majority of the candles offered by Hill And River Collection are inspired by different landmarks or special places throughout Virginia, such as “Sunrise by the James” (the James River) and “Summer on Oregon Hill” (a neighborhood in Richmond).

The young couple started the company after receiving a candle for their first wedding anniversary — a candle that looked pretty on the outside, but did not have a strong, lasting scent.

“You know we can really start making our own candles, right?” Kena said, recalling telling Reggie.

Since then, what started out as merely a spur-of-the-moment idea turned into a flourishing small business. It was not easy, especially with the company being the couple’s very first business and being born during the quarantine period of last year, but it has been rewarding for the couple.

“If you have any idea on your mind, ignore the mental hurdles, power through and do it,” Reggie said.

The couple had no previous experience in candle making. Kena actually looked on YouTube and other online sources for guidance. But with time and practice, Kena and Reggie crafted a candle of their own.

The couple experimented with soy wax mixed with other waxes or oils, such as beeswax or coconut oil. Their goal was to create a candle that could be lit in any room and the fragrance would flow throughout the house.  After multiple trials, Reggie and Kena found a soy blend to be the best, having the ability to spread fragrance much more effectively than regular soy candles. 

Hill And River Collection candles also use a wooden wick in their candles that give off a special crackling noise when lit.

“There is nothing like hearing that precious crackling sound when you are next to a candle,” Kena said.

Kena and Reggie’s candles usually cost $30 and can be found online at www.hillandrivercollection.com. More information about Hill And River Collection candles can be found through the company’s social media on Facebook and Instagram @hillandrivercollection. 

The next Student Activities Workshop will be floral arranging with Hip Tulip  March 11.