DERRY — Imagine an autumn trail ride or the smell of newly mown grass in a favorite pasture. For people who love to take a ride on a favorite horse, a local couple has just thing to help bring those memories and smells alive any time of the day.
Lisa and John MacMillen, owners of Mariah-B Farm on Cemetery Road, are the creators of a unique line of soy candles featuring fragrances that could evoke a special moment on horseback. With scents like Bridle Path, a leathery-scented Saddle Shop, pine-smelling Clean Stalls, spicy Apple Treat, and Autumn Trail Ride, there is something for everyone, the couple said. A portion of the proceeds goes to support the Live and Let Live Farm in Chichester, which works to rescue abused and unwanted horses and other animals.
At the Mariah B Farm, the MacMillens own two of their own horses and offer boarding services for about 10 others. The candle business began as a way to supplement their income and to offer help to horses in need.
"It was [John's] idea to do the candle business," Lisa MacMillen said. The line includes a wide variety of soy-based, environmentally friendly candles, with lead-free wicks and a cleaner, healthier burn.
Add in unique colors and scents to the hand-poured items, and it's a way to work together as a couple and give back something to help animals.
"With the economy the way it is, we said 'let's see what we can do,' and we also got the idea we would help the rescue," Lisa MacMillen said.
The MacMillens said it's an experimental process to plan a new candle and scent. First, it's a matter of finding the right color, then the right scent to match the color and eventual name of the candle.
Then, test burns take place to make sure the wicks all work well and the candle burns evenly down through the glass jar.
The couple then adds in more personal touches like a wooden lid with a homemade brand design, and a special label with equine expressions and artwork included.
Right now, they offer about 30 different candle scents. The candles are made of American-grown soy material that's hand-poured in the kitchen, then burned to see if it's a viable choice for a new fragrance and color.
"And soy is so clean," Lisa added. "There is no black residue."
John MacMillen said the candle business requires a lot of testing to make sure everything is working the way it should. Candles come in three sizes: 25-ounce, 16-ounce, and a 4.5-ounce size. The smaller candles are fitted with a decorative metal band and handle.
Right now Mariah-B candles are available locally at the East Derry market, at JAD's quick stop market in Derry, and at Pelham Saddlery in Pelham. Candle order information is also listed on the farm's Web site at www.mariahbfarm.com.
