For nearly five years, a husband-and-wife duo from Dutchess County has shared their love of candle making with their community.

"All our candles are soy," explained Michelle Rezza, the president and co-owner of T&M Rustic Home in Pawling. "They are hand-poured here in store. We use soy as opposed to paraffin wax, so they burn clean. They last a little bit longer than paraffin wax would."

Michelle and her husband, Tom Rezza, first opened the store back in October 2020 after selling merchandise like gifts and home decor at local vendor events. That is when their love of candle-making first began.

"We bring in outside vendors to sell merchandise," Michelle explained.

"[So,] we were buying our own candles, and they kept raising the prices on us," said Tom, co-owner along with his wife. "I figured, 'There's got to be a better way.' I looked into making candles and kind of figured out my recipe. It took me a little while, but once we opened the store, we started making our candles full time."

Since then, the couple has continued their candle-making craft over the last five years, taking pride in each one they pour.

"We have hundreds of smells to pick from," said Michelle.

"Some scents we do mix to get our own smells," Tom added. "Other times we just get a scent and use that."

Whether it's a more traditional scent or a custom one, Michelle and Tom say their candles have earned them a new nickname in the town.

"Pauling's Hidden Gem," they said in unison.

"Everyone that comes in is pleasantly surprised because it's deceiving from the outside," Michelle explained. "We're a little off the beaten path."

"Everybody who buys our candles always come[s] back because they do love them," Tom added.

T&M Rustic Home is located at 9 Arch St. in Pawling. Candles can be purchased in the store or online. The Rezzas also offer private on-site and off-site candle-making classes. More information can be found on T&M Rustic Home's Facebook and Instagram pages. Spots are a first come, first served basis.