Atiya Wise, owner of Vanessa Lynn Collections (VLC) in Elkins Park, has turned her candle-making hobby into a thriving business.
VLC, named in honor of Wise’s future mother Vanessa, opened in 2023 at 7900 High School Road and offers a selection of gift items in the greater Glenside area, including various knick-knacks, holiday baskets, tasty treats and plenty of stylish, handcrafted candles.
“I started making candles just for myself, and then I did it professionally at pop-up events,” said Wise, who lives just minutes from the shop. “My mom was an interior designer, so I wanted to combine the concepts.”
VLC’s specialties include eco-friendly, non-toxic candles made from paraffin wax, the same compound commonly used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments. Wholesale corporate orders are available upon request.
Their DIY group courses have steadily grown in popularity and are expected to expand further in the future.
“You can have a candle-making party with a group. You can also make body butter, beard oil and coffee mugs,” she said. “We’re even offering kid-friendly candle-making classes soon.”
To sign up for a class, you can call the shop at 267-415-6594. For more information on their product range and upcoming events, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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