Enterprising Spirit: The Candle Bar Co. in the Garland district upcycles used jars
![Holli Brown, owner of The Candle Bar Co., (TYLER TJOMSLAND)](https://thumb.spokesman.com/ANgGDqkRvw4rreE95u5ovBgbV9Y=/1200x800/smart/media.spokesman.com/photos/2020/06/14/5ee3eca55d965.hires.jpg)
Editor’s note: Our series Enterprising Spirit documents how businesses and workers are managing the economy’s slow return to life after its sudden shutdown in March – and adapting to new challenges ahead.
The Candle Bar Co. celebrated its first year in business on April 4, and owner Holli Brown said the community has been supportive during the stay-home order.
Many people have told her that since they’ve been spending more time at home, they’ve been burning more candles.
Since Brown didn’t have any employees, she didn’t have to let go of anyone during this time. Brown had never made any sales online prior to the stay-home order, but that changed quickly. Though her business is not open to normal foot traffic, she is offering a unique service on Fridays from noon-4 p.m.
Customers can drop off their used candle jars at the store, located at 817 W. Garland Ave., or any holder that is candle-safe, and she’ll fill the jar with one of her waxes and have it ready the next day.
“That’s actually how I got started,” Brown said. “Something I always heard from people when they hear that I refill candle containers is, ‘Oh my goodness, I have all these candle containers that I don’t know what to do with, but I don’t throw away.’”
Brown commonly fills containers such as teacups and coffee mugs, but has filled some unusual containers, including a ceramic pig. A custom container can make a great personal gift, Brown said.
Brown’s most popular scent is “Black Sea,” which has notes of plum, amber and musk, and she said men and women enjoy the scent. She said a great pick for summer is mint clementine.
When things are back to normal, Brown also plans to go back to hosting four-person candlemaking classes in her shop. She provides wine and cheese, or tea and sparkling water for those who don’t want alcoholic beverages.