Small Biz Spotlight: Spindle Mercantile

In 2020, Dodie Swain started her small business, Slate Candle Co., and in 2022, she rebranded to Spindle Mercantile. “The shop is named after the first handmade piece I ever sold - a little wooden snowman I made out of an old spindle chair leg,” Dodie says with a smile. “We love to repurpose and reimagine the beauty in simple things, like reclaimed wood, handmade decor, and antique jars.” 

Dodie has fond memories of growing up in the country and spending time at her grandpa’s farm, where her grandma would make jams and preserves as Dodie explored the farm. When her grandma’s antique crown jars were not holding jams and preserves, Dodie would use them to hold the pinecones, buttons, and other treasures she found. These antique crown jars hold a special place in Dodie’s memories and heart, so when she began to create her small batch soy wax candles, she knew the crown jars would be perfect to repurpose as candle vessels. “We’ve had so many adventures collecting the close to 1000 jars we’ve acquired since we began,” Dodie says while showing us her jars, some even displaying the manufacturing year on the bottom. “Conversations had while cleaning out corners of barns, hearing about previous owners of the jars, sharing in the excitement that they will be appreciated and given a new purpose - it’s why we do what we do!”​

Recycling and repurposing are important to Dodie, and by reusing mason jars and crown jars for her handmade candles, she can allow the jars' legacies to continue. Dodie’s candles are 100% soy wax and last longer than those made with paraffin wax. “Soy wax does not contain any toxins found in paraffin wax, so it does not cause headaches, and they burn less soot,” explains Dodie, “It is also a renewable resource, biodegradable, vegan, and natural!” Dodie’s classic candles are available year-round and include scents like fresh baked bread, oat milk and honey, tobacco flower, fresh brewed coffee, and more. Seasonal lines also make special appearances, so be sure to stop at their storefront at 538 Talbot Street and follow them on social media to be the first to know when they come out! If you are looking for smaller candles, Dodie’s handmade scents are available in tea light packs and even candle minis. “They are a great gift idea for weddings, showers, anniversaries and get-togethers,” says Dodie, “We can also personalize them with custom labels to perfectly fit your celebrations.”

Spindle Mercantile has also started making small-batch handmade soap bars. “After a year of watching videos, trying, and learning, I decided to do it,” Dodie proudly says, showing us her soap bars, which include scents like saffron rose, lily, sea salt, and lavender mint. The store also carries beautiful vintage and old-fashioned home decor and gifts, which perfectly fit the repurposed, recycled, and antique atmosphere Dodie has worked to create.
To further encourage customers to be a part of continuing the jars recycling and repurposing, Dodie runs a jar return incentive program, which ensures the jars can continue living on with new candles and scents. Customers who return an antique crown jar receive $2 off their next purchase, and customers who return a regular mason jar receive $1 off their next purchase. Although they may have rebranded, Spindle Mercantile still believes in the importance of handmade, repurposed, and recycled products, continuing with each unique jar's legacy and connection.

Through her small business, Dodie has been able to provide customers with unique, handmade, and memorable products. “It has been a pleasure getting to know other local businesses and working together for a common goal of promoting our town and each other,” Dodie smiles, “we need to represent where we live. I love the small businesses that exist here. We all benefit and grow when we collaborate to cross-promote and be involved.” Just as Dodie’s antique jars benefit from repurposing and recycling, small businesses benefit from community support and cross-promotion from customers and business owners alike.​

Spindle Mercantile is located in Downtown St. Thomas at 538 Talbot St.

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Paige Palmer

Paige Palmer, EDC Summer Marketing Support

Paige is happy to be joining the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation as their 2024 Summer Marketing Assistant. She is completing her undergraduate degree this summer with a double major in Media and Communications Studies and Thanatology at Western University and King’s University College. She is excited to help to promote local vendors and businesses this summer, and is looking forward to trying all the delicious and unique produce and products at the Horton Farmers’ Market this summer! Outside of work and school she loves spending time learning about nature, animals, and gardening. ​