The Yankee Candle® Company is a well-known American producer and retailer of scented candles, candleholders, accessories, and more, all designed to foster a cozy and inviting atmosphere in homes. On a cold December evening in Massachusetts, 16-year-old Mike Kittredge sat at his family’s kitchen table, facing the challenge of not having any money to buy a Christmas gift for his mother. In his moment of need, inspiration struck. He decided to create a candle for her, a unique and heartfelt gift she would cherish. Using common kitchen items, he fashioned a simple candle from household wax, a red crayon, some string for the wick, and a milk carton as a mold. Just before he could present it to his mother, a neighbor noticed the candle and was so impressed that she encouraged him to sell it to her. With the money he earned, Mike bought enough supplies to make two more candles—one for his mother and another to sell.