The history of Bee Candles

Bee Candles

By Michael Stutsman, owner

In the early 1960's Clarence LaFlower of Elkhart, Indiana began to produce a very unusual and distinctive line of candles made of hand rolled beeswax honeycomb. The concept of these candles was not new with Mr. LaFlower, but his energy and enthusiasm soon made his candles a favorite in the Elkhart County, Northern Indiana area. And by the time the 1970's rolled around he had a thriving little business.

Family obligations made a move to California an unavoidable necessity for Mr. LaFlower and he sold the Bee Candles business to Wilbur and Betty Losee In 1971. The Losees marketed these simply elegant, beautifully understated candles for almost thirty years until health problems forced them to retire in the late 1990's. That's where I come in.

I have always loved these candles for their charm, elegance, and simplicity. I have always loved the way that they fit in any room, enhance any décor, and support any occasion. One day as I was driving around Elkhart it occurred to me that Wilbur and Betty might be willing to let me continue the business that they and the LaFlowers have loved and nurtured for over forty years. Much to my joy, after a period of apprenticeship, on the first day of 2005 they transferred Bee Candles to me. Not only do I get to continue my love affair with these wonderful, simple, charming, elegant, hand rolled, custom made, natural candles, I get to make them. If this ain't heaven, it's got to be close!

Bee Candles are made from pure bees wax. There are no other waxes or petroleum products involved. Bees wax is more expensive than its artificial competitors, but it is unmatched in its ability to produce a smokeless warm light that enhances any occasion. Another great advantage of bees wax is that it is a completely renewable resource. It is estimated that it takes 80,000 bees flying 75,000 miles to make one pound of honey. The bees feed on the honey and then produce wax flakes that make the comb in which the honey is stored. I take sheets of this wax, and using the techniques passed on from Clarence LaFlower through the Losees to me, I produce a variety of candle styles and shapes and colors to fit any candle need.