Seattle-based Claro Candles has only been in business almost a year, but its co-founders have a strong vision to take the company into the future.

Co-founders Jefferson Bethke, author of new Thomas Nelson book Jesus Is Greater Than Religion, and Brett Kolomyjec bring their nonprofit background to bear on social justice issues through Claro’s mission.

“The name Claro is actually a Latin word for bringing light to darkness, so that’s where we got it, and that’s really our mission, to bring light to the darkness that is social injustice, so we figured Claro was just kind of a simple name we could just kind of reference that and it tells our story well,” Kolomyjec said.

The co-founders have high respect for small nonprofits and the work they do.

“We really find that they do the best, most effective work, but they have the least amount of money and the least amount of visibility, so we really started Claro so that we could use social media and a product that’s been around for thousands of years to help bring light to the work that they do as well as the causes that they serve,” Kolomyjec said.

Now promoting the company’s fall line of candles, including nine scents and colors, Kolomyjec said:  “Each color serves a different cause, so the purchase of every candle serves a different giving outcome that fights against a different kind of social injustice. … We use a product that’s very symbolic in nature of remembrance and thinking of those people who are suffering from those injustices. The product tag tells you exactly what was accomplished through your purchase and how you helped someone else in need.”

Proceeds of one candle will help send a child to school, while another will provide clean water and yet another will feed the hungry.

Retailing for $14 to $26 each, the candles are handcrafted, 100% soy and made of all-natural materials. Future products in the works include an all-white aromatherapy line.

“It’s definitely more of a high-end brand,” Kolomyjec said.

Describing himself and Bethke as “strong believers that walk with Jesus,” Kolomyjec said there is no scripture on the products, but their desire is “to reflect Jesus in the way we do business.”

See the company’s complete story and product line at www.clarocandles.com.

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