Black Hills Candle Company began with Pamela Price and her husband Patrick wanting beautiful, safe candles that capture the feeling of the Black Hills. The couple couldn’t find what they were looking for, so they started doing it themselves.
“We began hand-pouring candles in our log cabin, experimenting with cleaner waxes, safer fragrance oils, and designs that felt like keepsakes, rather than throwaway décor,” said Pamela.
Pamela and Patrick’s passion project turned into a business, as locals, tourists, and friends continued asking for more.
“As of 2026, every component of our candles is 100% American-made and sourced—from wax and fragrance, to wicks and jars,” added Pamela.
Their new downtown Custer location opened in May of 2025. Pamela says they’re excited for the next tourism season, fully ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, championing their USA-made products.
“All of our jars are engraved to feel like mini fireplaces, and are designed to be beautiful keepsakes long after the wax has been used up,” added Pamela.
Pamela’s favorite collection is their Black Hills Destinations Line since she says they remind her of memories tied to the area.
Scents signal the brain, traveling directly to the amygdala, which handles emotion. The hippocampus, tied to memory, then makes a connection to remember past experiences.
“I especially love Iron Mountain Road with its pine, eucalyptus, and cypress notes that smell like a cool drive through the pines,” said Pamela. “I’m also a fan of Black Elk Peak, which blends sage, eucalyptus, and cedar wood to capture that crisp, sacred mountain air.”
A notable scent is the Wild Bill Hickok candle, with a rich, sweet tobacco and bay leaf blend that feels warm, nostalgic, and “a little bit legendary.”
Customize Your Candles
WHOLESALE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BOUTIQUES, GIFT SHOPS, AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES THAT WANT TO CARRY THE CLASSIC BLACK HILLS CANDLES. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO COLLABORATE ON CUSTOM SCENTS, LABELS, AND LASER-ENGRAVED DESIGNS TO REFLECT A SPECIFIC LOCATION, BRAND, OR EVENT, DEPENDING ON VOLUME.
“Needles Highway has notes of pine and vanilla that feel like a sweet, sun-warmed drive through granite spires.”
PAMELA PRICE
A new Spa Line was recently introduced, made to feel different from the classic Black Hills collection. Floral etching is encased around each jar with hand-picked hues chosen directly from the Color of the Year palettes.
The spa-inspired scents feature bergamot, sandalwood, grapefruit, mint, and other aromas stirring calm, retreat-like vibes into everyday spaces.
Beyond candles, Pamela says they’ve been building out a full “home-fragrance experience” with room and linen sprays, reed diffusers, and other complimentary products.
“It’s more work on the sourcing and testing side, but the result is a non-toxic candle that aligns with a healthier home and a more mindful lifestyle,” added Pamela.
From the start of Black Hills Candles, the couple knew they wanted to feel good about any ingredients they brought into their home, reducing unnecessary worries. Nationally sourced, clean-burning wax and scents were their number-one priority.
New Limited-Time Scents Coming Soon
WATCH FOR NEW CANDLE COLLECTIONS, REED DIFFUSERS, SPECIAL BUNDLES, AND LIMITED-TIME SCENTS ON THEIR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA.
Instagram | @Blackhillscandle
Facebook | Black Hills Candle
“I love the mix of artistry and science that candle-making requires—testing, adjusting, and perfecting each scent and burn,” said Pamela.
Choosing safe ingredients, Pamela says, reflects how she feels about self care, and how lighting a candle should be a relaxing ritual, not something you’re second guessing.
“My favorite thing is watching someone smell a candle and immediately light up because it reminds them of a specific place or memory,” she reminisced. “There is something really special about turning fragrance, wax, and a story into an object that becomes part of someone’s everyday rituals and moments.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BLACKHILLSCANDLESHOP.COM+
