Ozarks woman has knack for candles

Jefferson City News-Tribune

LAKE OZARK, Mo. -- Fifty-two years ago, candlemaker Dora Stewart figured out what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

At the age of 10 and suffering from serious vision problems, Stewart had an experience with a schoolteacher that made a lasting impression.

"The way I got into [candle-making] was a miracle. I had lost the vision in my left eye when I was 10 years old from some kind of a stroke. I was clumsy and I couldn't see and my teacher knew I had problems," Stewart said. "She made candles and she let me help and I fell in love with it. I knew that was what I was going to do."

As time went on, Dora continued to make candles and sell them wherever she could find a market. Then, in 1979, she bought out a candle store in Columbia that was going out of business. The thought of going into the candle-making business full-time was an option, but it didn't seem right at that time.

For three years, the Stewarts -- Dora and husband, Dave -- operated a restaurant in Eldon, but she continued to make candles.

After several years of traveling and dealing with various health issues, the Stewarts decided to open Osage Candle Factory in Lake Ozark near the Bagnell Dam Strip.

All of the candles in the store are produced in Mid-Missouri, including jar candles made with soy wax.

"We produce them right here in the shop using materials that are made in the Midwest," she said. "There's just not much in wax we don't do."

Ranging from tea lites to dripless tapers and from jars to teddy bears, nearly every candle imaginable can be found in the shop.

"We keep everything in stock right here at the store," she said. "All the customer needs to do is tell us what they want and chances are, we already have it in stock."

Perfecting the art of candle making has literally been a lifelong adventure for the Stewarts, but it has turned into a business the couple is proud of.

"We have worked many years in this business and we are happy with where we are now," she said. "As with any art, it's been a lot of trial and error over the years for us.

"Dave experimented for years with the soy wax before he got it perfect. It took a few years before we started selling the candles even, but he's an expert at it now."

Being a perfectionist, Stewart said she guarantees her work and customers have always been satisfied with the handmade products. Every candle is mixed with the correct amount of dye and fragrance before it is poured.

"I am such a stickler on making sure every wick is straight and every candle is done right," she said. "You have to mix everything right in order for the candle to come out the way you want it."

More than 60 different fragrances are available in almost every form of candle, including mulberry, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon and orange spice.

In addition to the candles in stock, the Stewarts do custom orders and can make nearly anything.

"When our customers leave here with the candle they wanted when they came in, then we know we've done it right," Dora said. "That's what makes our business strong and keeps it growing from year to year."