Akron candle maker J.M. Tkalec has turned his passion for offbeat candle fragrances into a livelihood, offering scents such as Campfire, Fried Ice Cream and now Bacon.“I like to go down unique and different roads,” Tkalec said, noting his fragrant lineup also includes more traditional scents such as Winter Pine, Macintosh Apple and Vanilla.Tkalec (pronounced as if there is no T) turned his hobby into a business in 2003, converting his West Akron home’s basement into a candle factory.He’s found buyers for his relatively inexpensive candles — in more than 80 fragrances — by setting up shop at dozens of craft shows a year, and through his web site, www.thelitwick.com.On Friday, he and other local vendors began selling products from the wood chalet huts for the outdoor Holiday Market at Lock 3 in downtown Akron. The market will run through Dec. 31.This is Tkalec’s third year at the holiday market, which has provided a lifeline for his business.“It’s been tremendous for me,” he said. “Three years ago, the economy was getting so bad, I literally thought I was going to go out of business. I did so well at Lock 3 that it made my year, and saved my business.”This month, Tkalec expanded, opening the Lit Wick Gallery in space he leases at the Merchant Square shopping center on Ghent Road in Fairlawn, across from Summit Mall.There, he sells his candles, as well as works of local artists — pottery, photography, stained and leaded glass. He also offers greeting cards and various gift items.A corner of the shop is called Helo’s Corner — named for Tkalec’s dog. It boasts dog toys, animal key chains and collar tags.Tkalec still pours his candles at his home. This means he doesn’t have to rent space for production, keeping his overhead and prices low, he said.“What I do can get expensive,” Tkalec said. “The wax is expensive, especially in this economy, and so are the oils.”Tkalec, who previously worked in middle management at various companies, said he’s “paying the bills,” and enjoys being self-employed.“I grew up with my mom as a [self-employed] florist,” he said “I worked in the corporate world, and thought, ‘I can do this.’ ”Now, he said, “This is my whole world.”The Holiday Market at Lock 3, sponsored by the Downtown Akron Partnership, will again feature German glassblower Mario Hausdorfer.In addition to Lit Wick, other vendors and some of their products are: Fig Tree Crafts (home décor made from vintage textiles); Pushing Tin Studio (jewelry); Highland Baking Co. (shortbread); Homemade Delights (pound cake, cookies); Tindercraft (ceramics) and MIPE (children’s educational products).Days and hours are Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 19 - Dec. 23: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 24: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market is closed Christmas Day. Hours on Dec. 31: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com