I started making candles in early 2020 just prior to the start of the world falling apart.  First Covid and then civil unrest made 2020 the year we would all like to forget.

I began making candles because as my wife says, I am cheap.  I looked around my house and noticed how much money had been spent on candles.  Then I uttered those fateful words, " I can make them better and cheaper". I clearly had no idea what I was getting myself into. 

Making good candles is extremely difficult. The amount of science involved is at first overwhelming. I started like a lot of candle makers with a kit I purchased online.  

The candles made from that kit went to my wife and children to test.  My wife is a real estate agent so she gave a few to her customers.  The feedback was positive.  From there I went on to purchase more supplies to make more candles.  My research showed me that there are hundreds of different kinds of wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and containers.  Beyond overwhelming. 

The next few years was testing, testing, testing and then more testing. I set up a table in the lunchroom at work and sold a few candles to my co-workers.  The feedback was really positive. I was getting requests for more candles and more scent options. When I first set the table up, most of my co-workers thought that my wife was the candle maker. They were very surprised to learn that I am the candle maker. 

In February 2023 I attended my first craft show. A customer of my wife's who she had given candles to was hosting a craft show.  She really liked the candles and asked if I wanted to sell some of my candles at her upcoming show. At this point I did not have any labels for my candles or even a company name.  With the shows date as a deadline, I created a company name and labels for my candles and wax melts. I was able to put together enough inventory to do the show.  The show was a success.  I sold 25 candles.  

I attended another craft show in the fall and sold double what I sold in February.  I was on the fence about how far I wanted to go in the candle making world. Do I just continue to do it as a hobby? or take the plunge and move it to a legit business. In January of 2024 I decided to give it a go.  

The name One Six Three Handmade comes from something very personal to me.  For the last 32+ years I have been a police officer. My badge number was 163.  When I first started making candles early in 2020 I had no idea how important this hobby would become.  Candle making for me was therapy in a time when everyone hated the police. The outlet of creating something truly helped me through those dark days.  

I retired from policing on February 1, 2024.  Now I am the proud owner of One Six Three Handmade.  I look forward to the opportunity to provide you with amazing  scented candles and handmade goods. 

- David Christenson   Owner/Creator