Meet the Maker
My Story & The Origins of Algovita Candle
My name is Kevin and I am the founder and chief artisan of Algovita Candle Co.
Welcome to Algovita Candle Co., where each candle is a testament to craftsmanship, creativity, and the pursuit of perfection. I’m Kevin, the founder and chief artisan of this venture, which was born out of a serendipitous discovery and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I currently handle most aspects of this business, with respect to formulating recipes, blending, pouring, labeling, packaging, marketing, etc.
My journey into the art of candle making is not a conventional one. It began during a quiet winter in 2023, a time that was meant for rest but instead became a period of profound creativity. With a career spanning over three decades in the chemical manufacturing and distribution industry, I had always been immersed in the world of formulations, product development, and meticulous processes. Yet, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a forgotten candle-making kit, originally intended as a simple gift, that I found a new passion.
This kit, while modest in its offerings, reignited my love for hands-on creation—something I hadn’t indulged in for years. What started as a curious experiment quickly evolved into an obsession. As I melted the wax, infused it with fragrance, and poured it into molds, I realized that this process, though seemingly simple, had vast potential. However, I knew immediately that I could transcend the limitations of that basic kit. My background in chemical manufacturing urged me to explore deeper, to refine, and to perfect.
The name Algovita is deeply personal, reflecting a blend of legacy and life. “Algo” derives from my wife’s maternal family name, Algozzini, a nod to her rich Sicilian heritage. “Vita,” meaning life in Italian, speaks to the essence of what these candles represent—life, light, and the continuation of tradition. The olive branch in our logo is symbolic, with each leaf representing the five generations of the Algozzini lineage, now entwined with our story and after recently returning in August 2024 from a month-long stay in southern Italy (Calabria area), meeting new family from the paternal side as well as Sicily (Sicilia) in Corleone and Prizzi from the maternal side, where it all started.
This venture truly solidified when I faced one of life’s most profound challenges—the impending loss of my childhood best friend to a terminal illness. The news of his illness compelled me to leave my home in Houston and fly to Seattle, where I spent a week by his side. Upon returning, with the weight of grief heavy upon me, I knew I needed a way to channel my emotions and keep myself occupied. Candle making became that outlet—a way to stay productive, to create beauty, and to navigate through my sorrow.
Supported by my incredible wife of 30 years and our wonderful family, I carved out a dedicated space in our home—a sanctuary where I could immerse myself in this craft. With an extensive background in chemical science, I approached candle making with a rigorous, research-driven mindset. I invested in top-tier raw materials and state-of-the-art equipment, from stainless steel commercial-grade melters, calibrated scales and thermometers, stainless steel filling apparatus', customized hand-made candle boxes collaboratively designed by a producer who manufactures packaging for some of the world's top high-end cosmetic companies, precision labeling systems, to a fully-packed ERP management system with dedicated and tagged raw material and finished goods inventory location bins and bar-coding capabilities. Every detail, every step of the process, was meticulously planned and executed.
Months of research, development, and countless iterations followed. I was determined to produce candles that were not just products but experiences—luxury items that exuded quality from the first spark to the final flicker. The relationships I had cultivated over 30 years in the chemical industry became invaluable, providing me with access to the finest raw materials and a network of trusted suppliers eager to support this new endeavor.
Algovita Candle Co. is more than just a business; it’s a culmination of my life’s work, a fusion of science, art, and personal history. While I find immense joy in giving these candles away, sharing the light they bring, I also recognize the need to build a sustainable business—one that honors the investment of time, resources, and love that has gone into it.
Beyond the technical aspects, what truly drives me is the connection with others. I cherish the relationships I’ve built with clients, suppliers, and the broader community. My goal is to create candles that not only illuminate spaces but also spark conversations and create lasting memories while developing new relationships from loyal, dedicated, happy returning customers.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I invite you to follow Algovita Candle Co. on our social media platforms and to reach out whenever you wish. Whether it’s to discuss a collaboration, share your thoughts, or simply say hello, I’m here and eager to connect.
With warm regards and gratitude…
Ciao,
Kevin