Wanderlust Photos featuring Mark Towns, Edgewater Candles and a 1969 Volkswagen Van

Mark Towns was born in 1975 in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 2001, his friend decided she wanted to move to Chicago. Towns agreed to tag along because he had wanted to move out of Texas. So, he moved to Chicago without ever having seen the city before.

"I sort of muddled my way through being a secretary for a while. and now, I make candles." - Mark Towns

Mark Towns, 46, is the co-owner and operator of Edgewater Candles. Here he is letting out the overhang on the company's 1969 Volkswagen Van.

LEFT: Towns uses the crank on the van to put away the overhead cover. TOP RIGHT: Towns poses inside the van while waiting for customers. BOTTOM RIGHT: Towns gazes out of the van while patrons walk around the farmers market at Thorndale and Broadway on the markets opening day.

"connecting with the community. that's what I like best about the farmers markets." - Mark Towns

While waiting for customers, Towns reads Midwest Living magazine. Edgewater Candles is going to be featured in the magazine, soon.

Towns says he was burning a lot of candles, especially during the winter months. He found a free candle making kit and started to explore the different possibilities. After making candles for personal use and gifts, he had accumulated more than 100 candles. The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce asked Towns to sell the candles at EdgeFest. Thus, in 2016, Edgewater Candles was born.

"we learned a whole lot and now we continue to refine the fragrances that we love and try to bring something beautiful into the world every day." - Mark Towns

Edgewater Candles have never discontinued a scent, Towns says. They rotate them seasonally and create new ones based off of their customers' preferences. Cedar Lavender is the most popular scent, even though Towns says he almost refused to make a lavender scented candle.

TOP LEFT: Edgewater Candles giveaway treasures like this button to their customers. BOTTOM LEFT: Edgewater Candles business card is a set of matches. TOP RIGHT: The Edgewater Candles bags are adorned with the company logo. BOTTOM RIGHT: The Zodiac line of candles is one of many featured types of scents Edgewater Candles offers.

"we are inspired by the seasons and botanicals. we also are big nerds for haute couture scents." - Mark Towns

Since the beginning, Edgewater Candles has changed their packaging, wax and added to their scents. However, the love of the original hobby lives on.

"We're just excited to bring beautiful things into other people's homes." - Mark towns

Towns poses in the passenger seat of the 1969 Volkswagen Van.

When Edgewater Candles began attending shows and farmers markets, they would haul tents, tables and displays. This quickly became a hassle, especially when dealing with rain and the desire to do more shows. So, they began looking at options for a trailer or van. Finally, they decided on the Volkswagen Van because of its size and maneuverability. The van was purchased from an antique car dealer in January 2022 and was used at its first show in February.

According to Towns, the van does not have a radiator. There are air vents on the side of the van to allow the motor to stay cool. The motor is also in the backend of the vehicle.

"It's sort of self selecting. Natural wood was our first displays and we just continued in that realm of materials like wood and cork. The Volkswagen, just that sort of wanderlust, hippie vibe worked with everything that we were already doing." - Mark Towns

Towns demonstrating how he prepares the van for travel on the highway or interstate.

Towns interacting with a customer. He says he starts to memorize names and faces as people become regular patrons at different markets.

Towns reaching into the van while demonstrating how to properly unroll the canopy.

In July, Edgewood Candles is opening a storefront location at 1050 West Bryn Mawr Avenue.

really, sky's the limit. We were opening that store next month and maybe in 10 years we'll have stores in other states. or maybe this will be it. We're just going to do it organically and not force it. - Mark Towns

Appreciate