Our Story
Our Story
SoyLites was founded in South Africa in 2007 by Nicole Antonie and Colin Skelton with a simple vision: to create natural soy candles and wellbeing products that enhance everyday living by engaging the senses.
But our story began much earlier.
More than three decades ago, Colin came across an article in Hawaii about the growing popularity of soybean oil candles in the United States. At the time, his father, Rob Skelton, and stepmother, Ann, were established candle manufacturers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, through their company Candle Creations.
Inspired by the potential of soy wax, Rob began researching and experimenting with this innovative natural material. Working closely with suppliers, he helped develop a specialised soy wax blend rich in natural Vitamin E and Lecithin. It burned beautifully, released fragrance exceptionally well, and offered another remarkable benefit.
When warmed, the wax transformed into a nourishing body oil that could be applied directly to the skin, moisturising while carrying the benefits and fragrance of aromatherapy.
A candle could create atmosphere. Carry fragrance. And nourish the skin.
That idea would eventually become the foundation of SoyLites.
Years later, when Colin and Nicole learned they were expecting their first child, they felt inspired to build something meaningful together. Combining Colin’s family heritage in candle-making with Nicole’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, they launched SoyLites in South Africa in 2007.
What began in a small room has grown into one of South Africa’s leading natural candle and wellbeing brands.
Today, SoyLites creates a wide range of products across candles, body care, aromatherapy, personal fragrance and home fragrance — alongside some more unexpected creations, including our Rainbow Rocks soy wax crayons.
At the heart of the range remains our Classic Soy Candle 220ml. The first soy candle of its kind in South Africa, it continues to be one of our most loved products. In 2010, it received the Fairlady Consumer Award for Best Health & Wellness Product in South Africa.
Innovation and quality have always been at the heart of SoyLites. We continue to explore new ways of combining aromatherapy, sensory experience and everyday wellbeing, while sourcing quality ingredients, supporting local suppliers wherever possible, and proudly manufacturing our products in South Africa.
Nearly two decades later, we’re still curious about the same idea that started it all:
What more can a candle do?
For us, wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes it begins with lighting a flame. Changing the atmosphere. Breathing in a favourite fragrance. Slowing down for a moment. Or rubbing a little warm soy oil into tired hands.
SoyLites has always been more than a candle company. We create products designed to help people relax, restore, reconnect and bring a little more wellbeing into everyday life.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Burn Bright!
Nicole & Colin Skelton