Looking for a heartfelt, handcrafted gift this holiday season? Check out Vanden Wymelenberg Farm Goods, where you’ll find soy candles for sale alongside other thoughtfully made products. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a family business that showcases the values of sustainability, local farming and creativity. From their farm to your home, each product is made with care, offering a unique way to support local agriculture and celebrate the season of giving.
Adam and Marie Vanden Wymelenberg are first-generation dairy farmers in Greenleaf, Wis. Adam started out milking three cows into a bucket and has since grown to a herd of 230 cows. His passion for dairy farming was contagious. Marie was hesitant to embrace the farm-wife-life at first but quickly seized the opportunity to help her husband build their dreams.
Marie spent years dedicating herself as a wife, mom of four, nurse, helping on the farm and managing her own in-home daycare.
“I was burnt out, so we decided I needed a hobby,” shared Marie. “Something to focus on that was just for me.”
Marie soon found herself at a craft store purchasing supplies to make her own candles. Marie admits her first attempt at candle-making was rough – she had not yet mastered the science and art of combining wax and fragrance. However, she discovered a project that she enjoyed and was determined to learn the proper procedures to pour wonderful smelling candles.
She quickly created too many candles to keep for herself. She took a leap of faith and shared her soy candles for sale and received incredible support from the community.
Vanden Wymelenberg Farm Goods was born from Marie’s candle-making hobby in 2023. Although Marie is the main creator and driving force behind the business, it truly is a family business. The kids help with labeling and Adam helps name the scents and load up the van for craft shows and vendor fairs.
The business started with soy candles for sale but it has evolved into many handmade products like salves, lotion bars, body butter, fire starters and lip gloss. Marie is proud to partner with other local businesses and stocks her shelves with Zirbel’s Maple Syrup, Humblebee Homestead’s Honey Cherry Old Fashioned Mix, Shillcox Alpaca socks and Beerntsen’s Candies suckers.
You can mix and match these handcrafted and homemade items in a Christmas gift box during the holiday season.
Marie chooses to work with soy wax because her goal in creating homemade products is to make them better than what you can buy at the store. Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource. Marie chooses soy because it burns cleaner than paraffin alternatives and has a longer burn. Soy candle wax is all natural, safe for children and pets, and leaves no harmful residues. When you purchase a soy candle, you are supporting sustainable farming and boosting local economies.
“We all know someone who harvested soybeans this year and that’s who we are proud to support,” shared Marie.
Adam and Marie proudly welcome shoppers to their farm to help them connect with agriculture in their community. They want to share their livelihood and passion for dairy farming. They are constantly learning and investing in better ways to care for their land and animals. Just as you can feel confident in the quality of your Vanden Wymelenberg Farm Goods soy candle, you can feel confident about the high-quality milk from their cows.
Shopping local during the holiday season is a powerful way to make a difference in your community. When you buy a handmade, one-of-a-kind gift, you are choosing something truly special. Vanden Wymelenberg Farm Goods products are made with care, and their gift boxes are fully customizable to reflect each customer’s unique choice.
Holiday shopping at local businesses isn’t just about finding the perfect gift – it is about investing in the well-being and success of your community. Marie’s products are handcrafted and homemade in her kitchen with love, family and community at the heart of her business.
You can find Marie’s candles online at VWFarmGoods.com or follow Vanden Wymelenberg Farm Goods on Facebook to find other local retailers near you.