Jamaal Dorsey, Iola, has discovered a new passion for creating Iranian water candles and he’s hoping Iolans will be mesmerized by his artistic creations.
He discovered his love for making the candles one weekend in January when he participated in craft night with a friend of the family, Jessica Downs, Lebo. They found the idea on the internet.
“Within 24 hours, almost behind my back, Jamaal went and sold eight candles that we had created,” Downs said.
Dorsey said there is a story and history behind the candles that, with their elongated and pointed limbs, resemble abstract art.
“What I have read was that in Iran they did not have a lot of light at night so what they would do was get pieces of candles and put them together and form a big candle and dry it real fast and instantly be able to use it,” he said.
Dorsey, who takes care of his father, is selling the candles to make extra income. He initially started selling them door-to-door.
“I am a seller, I just took it to the moon,” he said.
The process of making the “mad scientist designs,” takes about 30 minutes per candle and Dorsey carefully crafts his multi-colored visions at home.
“You have to dip it in the water then make the formation as it cools,” he said. “It takes a little bit of coordination, and you have to visualize what you want and maneuver it the way you think it will come out.”
He may be starting off small, but he has big hopes and dreams. He said he is inspired by local businessman Joe Works of Humboldt’s B&W Trailer Hitches.
“He started his business from a garage and now he’s everywhere,” Dorsey said.“So surely I can start from my kitchen and be everywhere too. If he can do it, I can do it.”
His goal is to get one in every house in America.
“At least Iola,” he said laughing. “We will start out in Iola or at least in every window.”
The unique creations are available in different colors and in various scents. While he searches for more venues to sell the candles he takes orders by phone at 620-757-1243 and by email at [email protected]. Photos of his creations are posted on Facebook and can be found by searching “Candles by Dorsey.” The candles range from $8-$25.
“Most of the time you burn a candle and you don’t really pay attention to it,” Downs said. “But with the Iranian water candles they just keep drawing your attention. They are just really neat to watch them burn.”
Candlemaker’s vision to behold
