WHERE CREATIVITY SPARKS INNOVATION
Crafting premium, bespoke candles with 30 years of trusted expertise.
With over 30 years of experience, Modern Candle, based in California, has established itself as a trusted and respected leader in the candle manufacturing industry. Known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customization, the company collaborates with brands to craft bespoke candle lines that enhance their identity and align with their market goals. Modern Candle’s longstanding industry expertise and extensive knowledge of fragrance and design trends allow it to deliver products that meet the highest standards. From exclusive scent profiles to tailored packaging, Modern Candle offers a fully customizable experience, solidifying its reputation as the go-to partner for businesses seeking to elevate their offerings with premium, branded candles.
Our team
Arvin Pirijanian
Name
Arvin Pirijanian
Role
VP of Operations
Experience
25 Years
Based
Los Angeles
Skills
Turn Key
Diffusers & Room Sprays
consulting (product development)
Design
About
From a young age, Arvin Pirijanian was captivated by the art of candle making, a passion kindled by his parents, Armik and Nora Pirijanian, the founders of Modern Candle. Since the age of six, he has been a constant presence on the production floor—initially as a curious child eager to assist (and occasionally stir up some mischief) and now as a vital leader within the company.
Growing up surrounded by waxes and wicks, Arvin developed an in-depth understanding of the candle-making process from the ground up. Now, at 30 years old, he leverages his extensive experience to propel Modern Candle forward, specializing in product development, project management, and supply chain logistics.
Arvin’s expertise goes beyond operational oversight; he has played a pivotal role in creating comprehensive programs for major retailers and mentoring new entrepreneurs entering the industry. His unique insights and hands-on approach have helped establish Modern Candle as a leader in the candle manufacturing sector.
Arvin's journey from a young helper on the factory floor to a visionary leader exemplifies his deep-rooted passion for candle making and his commitment to innovation and quality. His story is not just about candles; it reflects a legacy of craftsmanship and excellence that continues to thrive in the modern world.
Lynette Reed
Name
Lynette Reed
Role
Director of Business Development
Experience
30 years
Based
Italy
Skills
Design
Custom Candles
consulting (product development)
Fragrances
Turn Key
About
With over 25 years of experience and as the founder of Illume Candles, Lynette offers a comprehensive range of turnkey services in candle and fragrance creation, guiding your project from concept to completion. She has worked with hundreds of retailers and brands, helping them develop their own unique candle lines. From concept development and sourcing to production, and even trade show and showroom guidance, Lynette ensures every detail is expertly handled. While specializing in candles and home fragrance, her portfolio also spans personal care and perfume. Whether you're launching a full collection or starting from scratch, Lynette partners with you to create distinctive, captivating products that stand out in the market and are exclusive to your brand.
Horacio Portillo
Name
Horacio Portillo
Role
VP of Transformation and Continuous Improvement
Experience
20+ years
Based
Los Angeles
Skills
Custom Candles
Diffusers & Room Sprays
Wax
About
Horacio is the Vice President of Transformation with extensive experience in implementing ERP systems and spearheading product development initiatives. He has a proven track record in managing P&L, budgeting, and enhancing customer service, as well as overseeing warehousing, purchasing, production, forecasting, and R&D efforts.
Known for his expertise in logistics, inventory control, and warehouse planning, Horacio also excels in human resources. His strong negotiation skills have led to successful contract agreements and pricing strategies, allowing him to establish EDI relationships with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Ulta, and Kohl’s.
With proficiency in systems like NetSuite, SAGE 100, Acumatica, Shopify, and ShipStation, Horacio effectively translates complex data into streamlined operations. His dynamic transformation strategies not only enhance operational efficiency but also drive sustained organizational success, positioning his team for future growth and innovation.
Armik & Nora
Name
Armik & Nora
Role
Founders
Experience
1978 - today
Based
Los Angeles
Skills
Custom Candles
Diffusers & Room Sprays
consulting (product development)
About
Husband and wife Armik and Nora Pirijanian founded Modern Candle over three decades ago after immigrating to the United States. With unwavering dedication to their vision, they transformed their aspirations into a prominent name in the candle manufacturing industry. From humble beginnings, they navigated significant challenges, including language barriers and financial obstacles, by harnessing their resilience and commitment to the American Dream.
Under their leadership, Modern Candle has reached impressive heights and is recognized for its innovative contributions to the industry. They played a crucial role in developing candle wick technologies, a groundbreaking advancement that has set new standards in candle making.
Armik and Nora bring extensive technical expertise in formulation and manufacturing, ensuring Modern Candle remains at the forefront of the industry. Their strategic vision for high-quality production, coupled with a hands-on approach, has earned them respect and trust within the candle-making community.
Their commitment goes beyond production; they are actively involved in every step of the process, maintaining a daily presence on the factory floor to ensure excellence at all levels. Under their guidance, Modern Candle has consistently adapted to meet and exceed market expectations, establishing benchmarks in design and quality.