Tyler Brooks
Illume Candles is a global brand that produces about 20 million candles annually. The company was founded by artist Lynette Reed in 1994 and was later sold to another company in 1999. In 2018, Illume was acquired by Regent Holding Company, a leading global designer and wholesaler of home décor and accent products. Illume continues to operate as a subsidiary of Regent, with its headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota, and has expanded its presence to over 40 countries worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Owner | Regent Holding Company |
| Previous Owner | Lynette Reed |
| Year of Acquisition | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Bloomington, Minnesota |
| Production | 20 million candles per year |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Illume was founded by artist Lynette Reed
Illume Candles was founded by artist Lynette Reed in 1994 in Hollywood, California. Reed is a painter and fragrance guru who founded the beloved Illume brand. During the pandemic lockdown, she returned to her art and now sells her paintings internationally. Her paintings have been featured in exhibitions such as the London Art Biennale.
Reed's artistic vision and unique combination of design expertise and manufacturing capabilities were instrumental in establishing Illume as a leading brand in the home fragrance and personal care market. The company produces about 20 million candles annually, with every part of the production process taking place at their headquarters in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
In 2018, Illume was acquired by Regent Holding Company, the parent company of Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville. This acquisition was a strategic move by Regent to leverage Illume's design expertise and manufacturing capabilities to maximize product selling opportunities.
Despite the acquisition, Illume has maintained its artistic roots and unique brand identity. To celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024, Illume launched an Artist Founded, Artist-Led Collection featuring the abstract paintings of its founder, Lynette Reed. This collection showcases the intersection of fragrance and art, reflecting Reed's belief that "painting is like life: Truly trust yourself and follow your inner voice; in the end, you will prevail."
Today, Illume continues to be a global brand, offering trend-forward home fragrance and personal care products. With its artistic foundations, commitment to quality, and broad distribution network, Illume has become a beloved and respected name in the industry.
Crafting Candles: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The company was acquired by Regent Holding Company in 2018
Illume Candles, a leading manufacturer of high-quality home fragrance and personal care products, was acquired by Regent Holding Company in 2018. Illume was founded by artist Lynette Reed in 1994 and sold in 1999. The company is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, and its products can be found in over 7,000 stores nationwide, as well as through its online retail store. Illume's candles and personal care products are consistently featured as "must-have" items in influential publications such as O Magazine and InStyle.
Regent Holding Company, the parent company of lifestyle and home goods brands Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville, saw the acquisition as a strategic fit. Eugene Wang, CEO of Regent, praised Illume's design expertise and manufacturing capabilities, stating that the partnership would help capitalize on significant cross-selling opportunities and maximize product selling potential.
Liz Barrere, president and CEO of Illume at the time of the acquisition, expressed excitement about joining forces with Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville, noting their strong perspective on product, trend, and design. As part of the agreement, Barrere continued in her role as president and CEO, and Illume's top leadership and employee force remained with the company.
The acquisition by Regent Holding Company brought about several changes for Illume. In 2020, the company announced a $10.6 million relocation of its headquarters from Bloomington to a new 288,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota. This move was intended to consolidate the company's operations and position it for continued growth, creating 85 additional jobs within the next two years.
Today, Illume continues to produce about 20 million candles annually and has expanded its product line to include home diffusers and personal fragrances. The company has also set its sights on international expansion, launching in the European market and eyeing further expansion into Australia.
The Evolution of Candle Making: A Manufacturing Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Illume produces about 20 million candles annually
Illume is a leading manufacturer of high-quality home fragrance and personal care products. The company produces about 20 million candles annually, with every part of the production process taking place at their headquarters in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
The company was founded by artist and "fragrance guru" Lynette Reed in 1994 in Hollywood, California. Reed is also a painter who, during the pandemic lockdown, returned to art and now sells her paintings internationally.
In 1999, Reed sold the company to an unknown buyer, and in 2007, the company, then known as Starlume, moved to Minnesota. Illume was then acquired by Regent Holding Company in 2018. Regent is a global designer and wholesaler of home décor and accent products, with an extensive global presence through its two brands, Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville.
Despite the acquisition, Illume has maintained its leadership and employee force, and its factory in Bloomington, Minnesota, continues to produce products for the combined company. Illume's unique combination of design expertise and manufacturing capabilities has contributed to its impressive growth trajectory, with its products now sold in over 40 countries outside of the US, including England, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The company's candles are carefully crafted and tested before going to market. Derick Lanners, senior manager of regulatory and compliance, explains that creating a safe candle that customers will love involves monitoring container temperature, flame heights, and any additional sooting. Illume's products are sold across the country in small shops and big-box chains, with retail customers including Anthropologie, West Elm, Target, and Whole Foods.
Decorating Pillar Candles: Base Ideas for a Warm Glow
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Illume is based in Minnesota, US
Illume is a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of high-quality branded and private-label home fragrance and personal care products. The company, officially registered as Illume Holding Company, is based in Bloomington, Minnesota, US, and was founded in 1994 in Hollywood by artist and fragrance guru Lynette Reed.
In 2018, Illume was acquired by Regent Holding Company, a leading global designer and wholesaler of home décor and accent products. Regent Holding Company is headquartered in California and owns lifestyle and home goods brands such as Bloomingville and York Asia.
Following the acquisition, Illume's top leadership and employee force remained with the company, and its factory in Bloomington, Minnesota, continued to produce products for the combined company. Illume's products are sold across the United States in small shops and large retailers and can be found in over 40 countries outside of the US, including England, Japan, and Australia.
In 2020, Illume announced that it would be relocating its headquarters from Bloomington to a new 288,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota, creating 85 additional jobs. This move was supported by a $175,000 grant from the state's Job Creation Fund and a $450,000 loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund.
Today, Illume continues to be a prominent player in the home fragrance market, producing about 20 million candles each year and offering a wide range of scented products to customers worldwide.
Soy Candles: Are They Vegan?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Illume's products are sold in over 40 countries outside the US
Illume Candles is a global brand headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, that offers home fragrance and personal care products. The company was founded by artist Lynette Reed in 1994 and was later acquired by Regent Holding Company in 2018. Illume's products are sold across the United States in small shops and large retailers, as well as through its online store.
Outside of the US, Illume's products have a significant international presence, reaching over 40 countries worldwide. This includes expansion into markets like England, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Europe. The brand's international distribution is facilitated by its parent company, Regent Holding Company, which has an extensive global network. Regent operates through its two brands, Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville, with multiple distribution channels in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Illume's international expansion has been strategic, capitalizing on the growing demand for home fragrance and personal care products globally. The company's products have gained recognition for their unique designs and high quality, attracting customers beyond the US market. Illume's presence in over 40 countries showcases the brand's ability to adapt to diverse markets and consumer preferences.
The company's manufacturing capabilities and broad sales distribution have contributed to its success in international markets. Illume's factory in Bloomington, Minnesota, plays a crucial role in producing high-quality products that meet global standards. The company's commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by their rigorous testing procedures, has likely contributed to their acceptance in various countries.
As Illume continues its impressive growth trajectory, it is likely that its products will reach even more markets worldwide. The brand's partnership with Regent Holding Company and its strong perspective on product, trend, and design position it well for continued expansion and success in the international arena. Illume's story serves as a testament to the power of combining artistic vision with strategic business acumen.
Florida's Candle Waste: Hazardous or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Regent Holding Company, the parent company of Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville, is the current owner of Illume Candles.
Illume Candles was founded by Lynette Reed, a painter and fragrance guru.
Regent Holding Company acquired Illume Candles on June 29, 2018.
Illume Candles is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota.
