Who We Are

A rustic arrangement featuring a brown candle box labeled "P.N.W." and a green glass candle with "Becona Essentials" branding. Nearby are white gloves, eucalyptus leaves, a beige pouch, and an information card with a "Dear fellow candle lover" message. All items rest on a wooden surface.

From

Our Hearts to Your Home

Crafting the Perfect Artisan Candle

The Art of Melting and Pouring

Our Artisan Collection is not mass-produced, but instead made in small batches by skilled hands. Whether you are looking to create a cozy atmosphere in your home, or to give a gift that is truly one-of-a-kind, our handcrafted Artisan Collection is the perfect choice.

A person in a brown apron uses a handheld frother to mix liquid in a stainless steel pitcher, positioned on a round wooden tray. On the same tray is a black container with a metallic clamp on top. The background includes a beige fabric surface and a blurred object to the left.

A charming illustration depicts a couple standing in front of Begonia & Bench, a well-lit, cozy shop filled with glowing candles and potted plants. The night sky above features twinkling stars, and the shop's sign proudly displays "Plant Trees." The duo appears content, wearing aprons and casual attire.

Once upon a time,

there was a couple who wanted to make a difference.

Meet Darren & Michelle, the dynamic husband and wife team behind Begonia & Bench, a charming candle studio in the St. Croix River Valley in Minnesota.

With a dream of making a positive impact on the world, they set out in 2018 with the goal of planting 200 trees in a U.S. National Forest.

Fast forward to today, and their small "10x10 pop-up booth" has now left a lasting impression in the National Forest Foundation's Annual Report, with over 11,500 trees planted to date to restore lost tree canopy, conserve wildlife habitats, and preserve healthy watersheds.

Join Michelle & Darren on their tree-planting journey, one candle at a time!

A close-up of hands holding a transparent plastic container filled with white kefir grains. A spoon is being used to stir the grains. Next to the container, there is a glass filled with a white liquid, likely kefir or milk, placed on a wooden surface. The background is blurred.

The wax

From Farm to Flame...

We use four types of plant-based waxes in our Artisan candles. This unique blend of wax consists of two types of soy wax, a coconut wax, and a rice bran wax that is imported from Japan.

Rice bran wax is unique in that it is a dripless, smokeless wax. Our Artisan candles are crafted using this traditional wax known for its historical ties to meditation and ceremonial use.

This special blend promotes a slower, cleaner burn, enhancing candle longevity. As our candles age, the aromas develop for a more expressive and refined fragrance, akin to the aging process of cheeses or wines.

Our Artisan wax blend is derived from renewable and sustainable sources, making it the premier choice for eco-conscious candle enthusiasts.

A rustic setup featuring a woven mat with a brown paper package, a box of "Cozy Campfire" botanical wax candle, a small box of "Dear fellow candle lover" wax matches, and a glass jar of wooden matches. Greenery and a patterned textile are included as decor elements.

A brown box with an open lid reveals a white candle inside. The candle's label contains text, with part of it addressing "Dear fellow candle lover" and a website link www.begoniaandbench.com. The box sits on a wooden surface with a textured fabric partially visible in the background.

Savor the Reveal

Of Your Begonia & Bench Candle

Unpacking a candle from our sustainable kraft packaging is an experience unlike any other. The natural charm of the kraft paper sets the stage for the finely crafted candle within.

We hand polish every Artisan candle to ensure it is free from smudges or marks. This extra touch of care extends to the unboxing experience, as each Artisan candle is tastefully packaged in high quality, thoughtful materials making the reveal of your candle a memorable moment.

A lit turquoise candle in a glass jar sits on a woven straw mat. The label on the jar reads "Begonia & Bench." In the background, a patterned beige fabric is partially visible, adding a cozy and serene atmosphere to the scene.

the burn

When it comes to candles, the wick is just as important as the wax and fragrance.

Our wicks are made of high-quality, braided cotton and paper woven materials that help ensure a smooth and even flame. And best of all - these wicks are completely lead-free for a safe and worry-free candle-burning experience.

A person wearing a brown apron pours a clear liquid from a small bottle into a stainless steel jigger. The focus is on the person's hands and the measuring process. The background is blurred and shows a hint of greenery.

The Scent

The Alchemy of Aroma and Light

Enjoy the aromatic bliss of premium, candle safe infusions of natural oils that contain no phthalates, parabens, or Prop 65 chemicals.

Hand blending fragrance oils allows for a level of creativity and control that is not widely available with pre-prepared scents.

We also take the extra step of aging our Artisan candles until the aroma reaches its full potential. Aging allows the fragrance oils and wax to fully integrate and meld together, resulting in a consistent & fulfilling scent experience and a predictable burn.

"I want you to know that I only buy candles from Begonia and Bench. The quality and service is top notch."

– Julie F.

"My favorite candle - the scent isn't too overwhelming but makes my kitchen smell amazing. I love this scent!"

– Verified Buyer

A lit red candle in a glass jar labeled "Begonia Bench" sits next to a cardboard box labeled "Cinnamon." The box includes details like "12 oz," "handcrafted in Minnesota," and "botanical wax candle." The display is on a woven mat with foliage in the background.

"I love the mission and values of Begonia and Bench, which keeps me coming back, as well. "

– Felicia H.