Candle artisan to showcase new fall line Oct. 10 during Pages & Pumpkins market
Stonewall resident Rachel Kinsley’s candle company, Prairie Sun, has continued to flourish after what started as a simple hobby in 2019.
Kinsley first began experimenting with making her own candles because she found it difficult to enjoy average name-brand options.
“We (my family) weren’t happy with the candles we had. I have terrible allergies and every candle seemed to make them worse,” she said.
She and her son, Hudson, started trying different combinations of oils, scents, wicks and waxes in search of the perfect formula.
“Candle-making is a science. The makeup of each candle is unique,” Kinsley explained.
Once she discovered how to create a candle she truly loved, Kinsley began selling her creations to friends and family — and quickly fell in love with being an entrepreneur.
“I find it so calming and relaxing. I love being able to make a product that makes people happy.”
Five years later, Prairie Sun has grown from a kitchen-table project into a thriving small business. Sales have increased steadily each year thanks to the support of loyal local customers and new buyers from across the Interlake and Winnipeg.
“My small business has consistently grown in sales each year, and I’m so appreciative of the people who support me,” Kinsley said. “They are the reason why my little company keeps growing.”
Kinsley continues to make all of her products in the basement of her home with help from her husband and family. In addition to candles, Prairie Sun offers foaming hand soaps, bar soaps, soy melts and, most recently, a body spray perfume. Each product is made with high-quality ingredients — all candles are soy-based, phthalate- and paraben-free, and vegan-friendly.
Because Kinsley also works full time as an educational assistant in a kindergarten classroom at Bobby Bend School, new product launches are selective and carefully tested.
“I’m very picky with my scents, and candles take a lot of testing and time,” she said. “Right now, I’m very happy with the product line I offer.”
Prairie Sun now boasts more than 60 different candle scents available through its website (prairiesuncandles.com), social media pages and in select retail stores. The business also celebrated a major milestone this spring — its fifth anniversary — and continues to attract new customers, many of whom make a special trip to Stonewall to shop.
“They’re always very complimentary about our sweet little town,” Kinsley said.
The fall 2025 line recently launched and has already become a hit. Popular new scents include Harvest Moon, Spiced Vanilla & Shea, Pumpkin Spice Latte — a returning favourite — and Whiskey & Oak. The Taylor Swift-inspired collection remains one of Kinsley’s top sellers, with her newest candle, For the Life of a Showgirl, debuting this season.
Prairie Sun candles are available at several retail locations, including Interlake Kneads Massage Therapy (which now also carries her foaming hand soaps), Stonewall Florist, 310 Wellness, Rouge & Browning in St. James and Hello Gorgeous in St. James.
Customers can also find Kinsley at a variety of upcoming markets and events this fall, including Pages & Pumpkins on Oct. 10, the Stonewall Small Business Expo on Oct. 18, Fox & Fern Market in Headingley on Nov. 1, Dakota Market in St. Vital on Nov. 8 and 9, Teulon Winterfest on Nov. 21 and 22, and Pine Ridge Hollow Christmas Market on Dec. 13 and 14.
“I’m always trying to throw brand-new candles out there,” Kinsley said. “If someone has a scent in mind, I love the challenge of trying to create it.”
