About Muk’s

The origin story behind Muk’s Candles & Cockails starts as Ronald and Carol Reed Expressing their love for candle making in the early 1970’s in Holliston, Massachusetts. They traveled through Payson on their way to Lake Havasu to visit friends, who had just opened the “London Bridge Candle Factory”. Carol was passionate about candles and began setting up hand carved masterpieces in art shows and malls under the “Candle Hut” Name. After visiting Arizona’s Cool Mountain Town and upon returning home they knew it was time for a move. Quickly packing, the two pulled up their corporate Massachusetts roots with their two Children, Brian (14) and Brendalyn (12) and set their sights on Payson, Arizona.

The Family settled in and began The Payson Candle Factory in 1979, located in the historical Swiss Village. When they first opened their 800 square foot shop, hours ear 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week with candle carving demonstrations every hour. The population of Payson was only 4,000 people when they opened. Business rapidly grew along with the town, and they expanded their shop to 5000 square feet! After the expansion they began servicing several chain stores with the signature wedding series of hand carved candles, as well as many other designs. The Payson Candle Factory was booming and was widely known, shipping candles all over the world!

The Couple Grew and planted their roots here, where they welcomed so many new family members over the years. They passed on their love for candle making to their children and grandchildren. One of their grandchildren, Ceirra, could often be found in their shop with her Papa (Ron) and Grand “Muk” (Carol) creating masterpieces of her own. Mik was also found in the shop often with her two Yorkies, Precious and Bentley who quickly became the mascots over the years.

In 2007, Ronal Reed passed away, but Carol kept their legacy going by continuing The Payson Candle Factory. As time went on, the Candle Factory downsized, but you could always find Muk Carving intricate designs in the shop, showcasing her skills and true passion in each candle she carves.

Cierra took the leap to continue the legacy of The Payson Candle Factory in 2022, where she was ready to bring new ideas to the business. Including Modernizing the shop and adding on a cocktail lounge; one like Payson has never seen before. There was no better way to honor her grand “Muk” for all she did over the years than to name this amazing place after her! So cheers to them with: A Ron Reed Martini or a Muk off cocktail! Let’s keep making history!