Yankee Candle is the largest specialty brand of premium scented candles in the United States, offering a wide selection of home and car fragrances, candle accessories, and seasonal items. Origins: Founded at Christmas in 1969 by sixteen-year-old Mike Kittredge in Massachusetts, who melted crayons to create a homemade gift for his mother. Headquarters: Located in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, where the iconic flagship store attracts millions of visitors annually. Ownership: Operated as an independent business for decades before being acquired by Forstmann Little (1989), Madison Dearborn Partners (2007), Jarden Corporation (2013), and Newell Brands (2016).