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If you’ve found yourself in Downtown Findlay in the past few months you may have noticed a few new shops joining the family, one of those being Elida Candle Company.  Meet the faces behind the shop – Diane and Mark Yonut!

Meet Mark and Diane Yonut, the faces behind Downtown Findlay's Elida Candle Company, a hand-poured soy candle company located on Main Street! • VisitFindlay.com

Meet Diane and Mark Yonut, the owners of Elida Candle Company in Downtown Findlay

Diane and Mark are relatively new to Findlay as they relocated to Hancock County from Elida, Ohio two years ago for Mark’s job as the Chief Perfusionist for Blanchard Valley Hospital.  Since their move to Findlay Diane and Mark have been keeping an eye out for the perfect retail space for their candle company, which would be the first brick-and-mortar location for their business.  Previously,  Diane and Mark ran their business for nine years selling online and wholesale to stores across the country.

Meet Mark and Diane Yonut, the faces behind Downtown Findlay's Elida Candle Company, a hand-poured soy candle company located on Main Street! • VisitFindlay.com

For the first nine years you could only buy these candles online or at one of the locations across the country who carried them, like DorAnnes, the former occupant of 327 S. Main Street – a full circle moment!

When the space at 327 S. Main Street became available they thought it was perfect.  Not only can they have their retail operations in the front, all of their candles are now made on-site in the back of the shop.

Meet Mark and Diane Yonut, the faces behind Downtown Findlay's Elida Candle Company, a hand-poured soy candle company located on Main Street! • VisitFindlay.com

All of the Elida Candle Company’s signature candles are hand-poured in Findlay

What started as a hobby for Mark and Diane grew into what is today Elida Candle Company.  They began in 2011 by making the candles at home and selling them at local craft shows with just eight fragrances.  Today Mark and Diane sell their clean-burning, hand-poured soy candles in their shop, online, as well as continuing their existing wholesale business.  And, their fragrances have grown from just the original eight – now there are over 300 fragrances created with about 120 available at a time.

Meet Mark and Diane Yonut, the faces behind Downtown Findlay's Elida Candle Company, a hand-poured soy candle company located on Main Street! • VisitFindlay.com

Elida Candle Company is stocked with candles, ready for your perusal!

Opening a storefront has opened up a whole new facet of owning a small business for Diane and Mark.  Diane, who runs the daily operation of the business, said that she loves meeting new people, which is something that she didn’t have the opportunity to do when they were selling online and wholesale only.  With the brick-and-mortar addition Diane said she is able to really interact with their customers.

Meet Mark and Diane Yonut, the faces behind Downtown Findlay's Elida Candle Company, a hand-poured soy candle company located on Main Street! • VisitFindlay.com

Pick up more than just candles at Elida Candle Company, check out the holiday décor as well!

In addition to Elida Candle Company’s signature candles, the new storefront has enabled a new side of the company – merchandise!  Elida Candle Company just opened in Downtown Findlay this fall and has already become known for their seasonal and holiday decor, in addition to accessories and gifts for anyone in your life.

In addition to candles and décor, you can also pick up a gift – or something for yourself, we wont tell!

Even before Elida Candle Company joined Downtown Findlay, Mark and Diane were a fan of the community as a consumer!  Since they joined the community Diane said that everyone has been very welcoming and supportive, which mirrors what she and Mark like the most about Findlay.  Diane said that she even had a “Friendly Findlay” sign made for the shop to reflect what she loves the most about their new home.

Meet Mark and Diane Yonut, the faces behind Downtown Findlay's Elida Candle Company, a hand-poured soy candle company located on Main Street! • VisitFindlay.com

“Friendly Findlay” is more than just a sign, it is what Diane loves most about Findlay!

Be sure to include Elida Candle Company on your next shopping trip to Downtown Findlay!

Fun Facts about Diane and Mark

Names: Mark and Diane Yonut
Family: Sons, Alex and Evan
Hometown: Elida, Ohio
Netflix Recommendations: The Crown and Mind Hunters
Favorite Travel Destination: Anywhere with a beach
Hobbies: Gardening and Scrapbooking

Findlay Favorites

Favorite Local Events: Oktoberfest and BalloonFest
Favorite Local Restaurant: Fins Seafood & Grille
Favorite Local Treat: Archie’s Ice Cream
Favorite Local Purchase: Outdoor chairs from The Granary – We love sitting outside by the fire in the summer!

You can find Mark and Diane at Elida Candle Company, located at 327 S. Main Street in Downtown Findlay!  You can shop Elida Candle Company online or in-person.

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