When Andi Hall was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago, she began researching how it could have originated and consistently found out about the dangers that can come with certain chemicals in candles. So, she and her sister Lisa Spicer created a soy candle business named Duck and Bean.
The two noted they’ve also been conscious of the dangers of phthalates — chemical compounds used in plastics — which are often found in candles. Bath & Body Works even cites that “very small amounts of phthalates” might be present in their products.
“Our candles are free from phthalates, which are the most dangerous things in there, and it’s free from several of the other toxic chemicals you don’t want to breathe,” Hall said, noting their candles are also vegan.
According to the National Library of Medicine, as the candle burns, phthalates help release the scent, but the chemicals can cause generalized headaches, coughing, shortness of breath, migraines, asthma attacks, dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.
Finding the balance in creating a candle free of chemicals yet could produce a strong scent was the next science Duck and Bean had to crack. They found that essential oils would be too expensive to create too strong a scent, so they found a benefit in using soy wax candles and 100% unbleached cotton for the wicks.
The recipes for the candles took a few months to perfect — such as letting them sit at the right temperature and pouring the right mix of wax. But now they are confident in the candles they offer to the public.
Some scents include Blood Orange, Black Sea, Lavender Mint, Grapefruit Mint, and Banana Nut Bread.
Since opening, bringing a healthier alternative to Owensboro has been something the sister duo has been proud to accomplish.
“I think people are becoming more aware of what’s in the products they use, and I think people are looking for healthier options,” Hall said.
Hall noted that not all of the candles they sell are all-natural, but they promise all candles are free of harmful chemicals.
Learn more about the business and how to order a product on the Duck and Bean Facebook Page.
