Our Story

Hello... My name is Ronnie McCray Jr. and I love candles and Washington, D.C. So I figured, why not combined the two with D.C. themed candles.
I’ve lived in the District for 10+ years and now call it home. After paying so much in rent, I bought my first home in 2017 which happens to be the same year I fell in love candles. There was a particular smell inside the house that I couldn't shake until I bought a candle and my life changed forever.

During the pandemic, I chose to take my love for candles up a notch and learned how to make them. What an experience. This was the first time I applied those science and math skills from high school that teachers told us we’d need later in life.

I’m excited to share my love of candles with you, and I hope their scents will transform your home as it did mine.

Our Name

Susie Lee Candles is named after my late grandmother, Susie Lee. She passed away when I was younger so I really don't know much about her. My goal was to bring a way for me to start talking about her more and increase my curiosity. So when someone ask, "Who is Susie Lee?" I can start a conversation about the magnificent woman she was.

Candle Care and Safety Tips

Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when burning a candle:

Never leave a burning candle unattended: Always ensure someone is present in the room where a candle is lit. It's crucial to extinguish the candle before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep candles away from flammable objects: Place candles on a stable and heat-resistant surface, away from any flammable materials such as curtains, fabrics, papers, or furniture. Make sure there is enough space around the candle to prevent accidental fires.
Trim the wick: Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm). This helps control the size of the flame and prevents excessive soot or smoke.
Burn candles in a well-ventilated area: Ensure that there is proper airflow in the room to avoid excessive smoke buildup. Burning candles in a well-ventilated space can also help dissipate any potential odors.
Avoid drafts: Keep candles away from drafty areas, as strong air currents can cause uneven burning, excessive smoke, or the candle to tip over.
Use appropriate candle holders: Use sturdy candle holders designed to accommodate the size and shape of the candle. Ensure they are placed on a stable surface and are non-flammable.
Keep out of reach of children and pets: Place candles in an area where they cannot be easily reached by children or pets, as they can accidentally knock them over or get burned.
Use candle snuffers or lids to extinguish candles: Avoid blowing out candles, as this can cause hot wax to splatter. Instead, use a candle snuffer or carefully place a lid over the candle to extinguish the flame.
Allow the candle to cool before handling: After extinguishing the candle, allow sufficient time for the wax and container to cool down before moving or handling them.
Be cautious with container candles: If using a container candle, ensure that the flame does not burn too close to the container's sides. Extinguish the candle when there is approximately ½ inch (1.3 cm) of wax left to prevent the container from overheating or cracking.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the ambiance and fragrance of candles while minimizing the risk of accidents or fire hazards.