Looking forward to crisp fall air, changing leaves, bundling up in sweaters, lighting a cozy candle and escaping the humidity? So are we, and local KC candle maker Effing Candle Co.—yes, you read that right—have just the candles to make our fall fantasies come true.
A pandemic hobby turned business, candle maker Birdie Hansen creates non-toxic wooden wick candles with slow-burning coco apricot creme wax, clean-burning fragrances and Forest Stewardship Council-certified crackling wood wicks—meaning that the wicks come from responsibly managed forests.
The KC candle maker prides itself on cheeky candle names (much like its cheeky business name) and unexpected scents that emulate a mood or vibe rather than a strict artificial copied scent.
For example, their summertime “Rooftop Margaritas” candle with notes of blood orange, lime and agave is described as having “Main Character energy”—or, as the candle company states, “If this candle were a person, she’d be the most popular girl at the party.” Their special release candle, “Do you guys ever think about dying?”—made in celebration of summer box-office hit Barbie and named after the film’s now-iconic line—has day-at-the-beach vibes, with notes of coconut, ginger and amber.
But our favorite candles at Effing right now mirror our desire to escape the lingering heat and humidity to a chilly KC autumn day. The company’s best-selling candle, “Warm Hugs,” has cozy notes of sweet tobacco and vanilla. The sophisticated “Kansas City AF” candle is a bit spicy, with notes of clove and sandalwood that make any space feel familiar and inviting. —Molly Higgins
Effing Candle Co.’s studio is located at 3703 Main St., KCMO and open to the public Thursdays from noon to 6 pm and Fridays from noon to 5 pm. The candles can also be found at Made in KC (Marketplace locations only), Cheeky Bird, Fetch and online at Effing’s website.
