XC Candles

Denver-based XC Candles makes aviation-themed soy candles in a variety of fragrances ranging from traditional to unique. Try “To the Tabs” (avgas scent) or “Jet Fuel in the Morning” (Jet A)—both do smell like fuel—or check out the lavender-scented “Fly Good, Don’t Suck” or the fresh-air-scented “Prop Wash.”

Elaine Standohar, a private pilot, started XC Candles in August 2020. “During COVID I started making candles as a way to fill my time and that hobby unexpectedly manifested itself into XC Candles. Creating the aviation-themed candle line and brainstorming all of the different candle names was a really fun way for me to stay connected to aviation during that depressing, extended timeframe when flying wasn’t an option for me. The company has since taken off and through it I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with so many amazing aviators.”

Standohar’s favorite candle is “Smoke in the Cockpit,” which smells like citrus, sea salt, and ozone. “Creating the scent of this candle was the reason I started dabbling in candle making in the first place—I’m obsessed with it…the candle references one of my all-time favorite aviation memories, so the candle means a lot to me.” The moment? Her checkride in South Carolina when the examiner simulated smoke in the cockpit. The homemade and hand-poured candles come in several sizes—find an aviation memory you connect with and bring home the smell of flying.

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xccandles.com