Yankee Candle South Africa. Importers and Distributors of Yankee Candle. Premium quality scented candles. Nature-Identical Fragrances. Amazing scented candles in South Africa. Yankee Candle founder Michael J. Kittredge II (1952 - 2019) started the company in 1969. Mike created his first scented candle from melted crayons as a Christmas gift for his mother, his neighbors began purchasing candles from him and he began producing candles in larger quantities. Mike’s legacy continues in the work of Yankee Candle Employees who design and manufacture candles just a few towns away from where he created the company 50 years ago.