It all started with a birthday present. At just 12 years old, Nic Bianchi received a candle-making kit. While most kids might have seen it as a simple craft, Nic was captivated. He fell in love with the precision, the chemistry, and the art of it all—the math and science that transform simple wax and wick into a vessel of light and scent. This youthful fascination wasn’t just a fleeting hobby; it was the spark that would, over the next decade, ignite a full-fledged enterprise: Bianchi Candle Brands, and its star player, Market Street Candle Co.
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Nic embodies the classic “All-American” story: a kid from a small town with a big dream. As his passion for candle-making matured, so did his understanding of the industry. He began to notice a troubling divide. On one side of the aisle were the mass-produced candles many of us grew up with—affordable, yes, but often made with a cocktail of questionable ingredients. On the other side were the high-end, “clean” candles, whose price tags often put them out of reach for the average shopper.
Nic saw an opportunity, not just for business, but to make a genuine difference in people’s homes. Why should anyone have to choose between their health and their budget? He believed there had to be a better way, a middle ground where quality, safety, and accessibility could coexist. This conviction became the driving force behind Market Street Candle Co.
What’s Really in Your Candle?
The cozy glow of a candle can make any room feel like a sanctuary. But what if that glow came at a cost? Many conventional candles are crafted from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum that can release toxins into your airspace when heated. They are often scented with synthetic fragrances containing phthalates—chemicals that can act as hormone disruptors and trigger allergies or asthma. Add in wicks with metal cores that can produce soot and pollutants, and that comforting ambiance suddenly feels a lot less comfortable.
These candles also tend to burn quickly and unevenly, wasting product and posing potential fire risks due to poor-quality wicks. The artificial scents, while initially strong, can quickly become overpowering, leading to what’s known as “scent fatigue,” where you can no longer even smell the fragrance you paid for.
A Cleaner Burn, A Brighter Future
This is the landscape Nic Bianchi set out to change. Market Street Candle Co. was founded on a simple, yet revolutionary principle: to create beautifully scented, clean-burning candles that everyone can enjoy. The company’s mission is clear: “Lighting the way to a cleaner world.”
Every Market Street candle is a testament to this mission. They are meticulously crafted in the USA using:
- 100% All-Natural Soy Wax: A renewable resource for a pure, clean burn.
- Essential Oil-Based Fragrances: For authentic, nuanced scents that are gentle on the senses.
- 100% Cotton Wicks: To ensure a steady, soot-free flame.
The brand lives by its elegant motto: “Naturally Pure. Simply Elegant.” This philosophy extends to the candle vessels themselves, which are designed to be reusable, adding a touch of sustainable style to your home long after the flame has gone out.
By building a robust manufacturing and distribution network right here in the U.S., Nic has been able to scale his vision, proving that natural, high-quality home goods don’t need to be a luxury. Market Street Candle Co. stands as a powerful example of young entrepreneurship, a commitment to American-made quality, and a passion for creating products that are better for us and the world we share. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the brightest ideas start with the simplest spark.
