When New York City shut down during the pandemic, Brandon Brinkley saw the light — the candlelight that is. After having a successful fashion career in New York City for 10 years, Brinkley returned to his Norfolk home where he learned to make candles from his husband in their West Ghent kitchen. He started crafting them for a friend who owned the Velvet Witch gift shop , which grew as a tenant in Selden Market to a storefront in Ghent.
“During the 2020 shutdown, making candles gave me the opportunity to do something creative and meaningful for our community,” Brinkley said. “This is when my transition occurred, and I became a full-time candlemaker.” Shortly after, Norfolk Candle was born from Brinkley’s successful inventory at the Velvet Witch.
His first candle, named Cool Aunt, included the scents juniper, vanilla, amber and patchouli. He said the scents and name were inspired by his sister-in law’s cabin: “She’s such a cool aunt.” Soon, Brinkley began participating in markets and pop-ups.
He signed on for a full year when the Ghent Farmers Market started in 2021. He’s now in his fourth season there. “The farmers market is so unique and beautiful.
We’ve been able to test our new scents and expand our offerings,” Brinkley said. “It is here where we grew. We connect with the customers and receive feedback.
” In 2021, Brinkley started to make candles in unique vessels such as vintage tea cups, mugs, fruit bowls, teapots and glasses. The business o.
