JERRICA FLYNN CJ Contributing Writer
In the depths of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing, people around the globe took up expressive house-bound hobbies such as knitting, home improvement, and baking as a form of relief from the outside world. It was during a moment of reflection and the influence of personal faith in the fall of 2020 that led Courtney Ikerd to seek an opportunity to serve others creatively by opening her own candle enterprise.
Ikerd spent months researching the technical process of developing candles with homemade love that reflected her stylistic vision, and the Somerset Candle Co. was born.
“ It was a way to create calm, warmth, and intentional moments in people’ s homes and lives," said Ikerd. " Each candle represents a piece of our community, hope, love, and beauty in everyday life, which is why this business has been so meaningful to me."
By no means are these ordinary candles. Ikerd developed a thorough operation, offering only the highest-quality waxes and fragrance oils, wrapped in beautifully designed containers. Every product has a rich, yet pleasant, longlasting aroma.
Ikerd’ s attention to detail is her most notable quality that sets Somerset Candle Co. apart from other retailers, as she claims,“... every candle is hand-poured in small batches, allowing us to focus on consistency and craftsmanship rather than mass production. Our packaging is sleek and timeless, but behind it is a lot of heart, prayer, and attention to detail that largescale producers simply can’ t replicate.”
Community is a cornerstone of Somerset Candle Co.’ s ethos and branding. The company works closely with locals and surrounding small businesses to develop products that the community partners with and are excited by. Ikerd stocks an array of candles, room sprays, and wax tarts, spanning from bright, summery perfumes to deep, smoky scents often named after nearby local landmarks. Customers can buy the aroma of Bear Wallow Farm, Baxter’ s Coffee, or even Conley Bottom Resort in a jar and enjoy the feeling of familiar visits to these Lake Cumberland hotspots.
“ Our local landmarkinspired scents were created as a way to celebrate the community that has supported us from the beginning," said Ikerd. " Somerset and the surrounding area are full of natural beauty and meaningful places, and we wanted our candles to reflect that sense of home and pride."
For a customer ' s first purchase, Ikerd recommends Lake Cumberland Sunrise, a warm, fruity mixture that was Somerset Candle Co.’ s first candle, and Lakeside Lemonade or Somerset Cider Reserve for more seasonal specialties. Possibly her most significant blend, 1798, is a popular crowd-pleaser with roots in Ikerd’ s admiration for her home county’ s history and her passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere in a chic package. She said that“... 1798 continues to be a
Baxter’ s Coffee Scented Candle, a Local Favorite
Summertime Lakeside Lemonade Candle
Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce www. somersetpulaskichamber. com 103