Lori Parnell, owner of and candle maker at Black Culture Candles, shares why she started her Akron-based business to connect with others.
Find Black Culture Candles online or at Northside Marketplace (21 Furnace St., Akron, OH 44308)
What types of products or services do you offer?
We’re an inclusive luxury brand that celebrates the moments that connect us. We offer fine handcrafted candles with unique custom fragrances that are inspired by our shared memories and experiences.
How do you help your customers?
Black Culture Candles is dedicated to bringing joy and shining a light on the experiences that connect all of us.
How did the business get started?
The idea for Black Culture Candles was born at a time where Black Joy was hard to find. But, watching people from other cultures and ethnicities stand in solidarity with us was awe inspiring. I wanted to somehow capture the feeling of that moment; the joy, the understanding, the unity of that moment.
This lead to a conversation I had with my daughter about how scent, emotion and memory are all intertwined. I wanted to create something that celebrates Black Joy and the nostalgic experiences that connect all of us.
Experiences like Grandma’s Garden—this candle is dedicated to the memories of our grandparents, whose passions produced nutritious foods, tended to growing plants and grew beautiful flowers. This candle remembers the legacy of grandma’s hands in the soil, with notes of fresh florals, crisp green tea and deep rich amber.
What is your business’s relationship with the city of Akron and Akronites?
I’ve been a business mentor with Bounce Innovation Hub’s Mortar program, donated candles to organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, as well as spoken to organizations like SCORE, Akron-Summit County Public Library’s small business panel, and Leadership Akron about small business and minority entrepreneurship.
How do you see your business growing into the future?
I’m expanding into compatible retail, wholesale and custom markets. As my business grows, I would love to be able to contribute to causes, teach aspiring entrepreneurs, and work with organizations so others can reach their dreams and celebrate their own joy.
How can people support your business?
By finding joy in the small moments and taking a journey through scent with our fine handcrafted candles at Northside Marketplace, on our website or stop at local events.
Visit the Black Culture Candles website, like them on Facebook, and follow on Instagram and Pinterest.
Get in touch with Lori by sending an email, and be sure to visit Northside Marketplace (21 Furnace St., Akron, OH 44308) to check out Black Culture Candles.
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