Menai & Co. began its journey in 2019 as New York Honey & Maple, LLC, a commercial beekeeping business focused on honey and beeswax products. During the winter months, as the bees rested, we experimented with candle making at our dining room table. What started as a simple endeavor quickly became a passionate pursuit when our first candles sold out almost immediately.

A series of setbacks in beekeeping, including devastating black bear attacks that destroyed hives and honey stores, led us to pivot fully to candle making. Using a modest $40 candle-making kit, we reinvested every sale into refining our craft. Before we knew it, our candles were not just sustaining us but transforming Menai & Co. into a thriving family business.

At Menai & Co., safety is our highest priority. With young children at home, we committed to using top-quality, non-toxic ingredients to ensure every product was as pure and safe as possible. This dedication naturally extended to our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe success is not just a first-time purchase but the joy of seeing customers return time and again.

As a family business, we cherish working side-by-side at craft shows, where even our children help run the register and soak up the festival atmosphere. We also take pride in giving back to the community through our 50/50 fundraiser program, which supports non-profits by sharing 50% of every sale with participating organizations. This initiative introduces our products to new markets while helping countless causes—a true “everybody wins” scenario.

Today, Menai & Co. is proud to offer more than candles. We are building a collection of home and personal luxury products, from hand-poured candles to imported wool blankets, all designed to brighten the lives of people from all walks of life. Whatever your taste or budget, we hope our products bring a little comfort and joy to your day.