1999 New Age Retail Review by Karen Crane

Candles by Montserrat are an exceptional blend of art, spirit, and utility, and finally, they're available nationally. Montserrat lives in the Pacific Northwest, and for the past five years she's been supplying local stores with candles that always sell out before she can replenish them. A wonderful artist specializing in the qualities of the sacred feminine, Montserrat pours candles with color mixes from her artist's palette, scents them with the most delicate and distinctive essential oils, and labels them with small versions of her own paintings. Several of Montserrat's inspired lines will keep your store smelling sweet and your customers satisfied. If you're looking for point-of-purchase displays for the holidays, look no further than Montserrat's votive candle display. The pleasant scents and delicate colors that make her candles so distinctive remain strong even in the votive line. These standard size votives ($1 wholesale) come in scents such a ylang-ylang, peppermint, basil, rose geranium, cedarwood, grapefruit, lavender and nag champa. The beautiful display is compact and made to move product. The same colors and fragrances are repeated in the Light Into Essence candle line, featuring eight different shapes and sizes, all larger than votives. Montserrat's empowered feminine images decorate the labels, making the candles perfect as special yet inexpensive gifts. Narrow pillar candle sizes start at 2 by 3 inches ($3 wholesale) and range up to 3 by 11 inches ($12.75). Special shapes include a 3-inch heart ($2.50), a 3-inch star ($2.50) and a 6-inch high pyramid ($4.50). I especially love the Faery Magick line, featuring 2-by-6 inch pillars empowered with crystals. Four different enchanting fairy images decorate the labels, and each candle comes with a special scent and prayer. My favorite one is Bless Your Home with its soft orange hue, citrine crystal, and orange and patchouli oils. The violet-blue background of the fairy image contrasts with the color of the candle in a creative combination of elements that is a hallmark of these candles. Other intriguing candle lines include the Women's Journey. Shamanic Journey, Healing Runes, Goddess of Abundance, Guiding Spirits, and Make a Wish line (all priced at $3-$8 wholesale). These are empowered with handmade adornments such as crystals with symbols painted on them and clay goddess figurines. The labels explain meanings and uses, and candles are tied with color coordinated raffia ribbon. Order a catalog now and keep your shelves stocked with different styles throughout the season. When you call to order, make sure to ask what's new, because an artist like Montserrat simply can't resist coming up with new lines.