We visited this place during a rainy Sunday brunch outing because we both love arts, crafts, and…read moretrying new experiences. We went in almost completely blind--we hadn't spent much time reading reviews or doing a deep dive into the website. We had simply heard about it through word of mouth and decided to trust the recommendation. Making a reservation online earlier in the week was quick and straightforward. The website even included nearby parking recommendations, so we parked in a garage within walking distance and made our way over. Easy to find building on a corner. When I booked the reservation, I initially thought it was strange that there wasn't a deposit or class fee required upfront. Once we arrived, though, it all made sense. Rather than paying for admission, you select the candle you'd like to create, and the price is determined by your choice. We arrived just a few minutes before our reservation time as were fighting through the windy rainy storm, and I noticed many of the smaller, lower-priced candles had already been picked over. Everything still appeared to be within the price range listed on the website, but it was something I noted. Personally, I was hoping to walk away with a smaller candle because I'm trying to minimize my candle collection--we can't really burn them around our pets and I have way too many. However, I completely understand the pricing. You're paying for both a custom-made candle and a guided lesson from a local small business, thus I felt the cost was reasonable. Once the class began, the staff walked everyone through the process with clear instructions, suggestions and helpful demonstrations. One detail I especially loved was that there had been a book filled with inspiration ideas and the story of how the business came to be. It was a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel more personal. Throughout the class, the instructors circled around the room, offering suggestions and answering questions. Since I'm definitely not a fragrance expert, I can't really speak to the overall scent selection from a master perfumer's perspective, but I did find it a little difficult to create a blend that matched my personal preferences. For reference, some of my favorite fragrances are Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum by Viktor & Rolf, along with sweeter Bath & Body Works candle scents like Champagne Toast and Black Cherry Merlot. Many of the fragrances leaned more toward elegant, natural, and scents you would light to entertain at home. They smelled nice and high quality, but they just weren't quite the bold, sweet fragrances I tend to want. I ended up using mostly Blueberry Cheesecake with a blossom scent mixed in. Unfortunately, they were running a little low on the other fragrance, so my final candle ended up being primarily Blueberry Cheesecake. I'm usually not into food scents, but I found that to be the sweeter option I was looking for. After pouring our candles, we waited for them to cool in an adorable lounge area with complimentary light snacks and refreshments. There was also a cute photo area and displayed products from local makers. I was tempted by one of the charm bracelets they had for sale. The shop also offered additional candle products and gifts if you wanted extra items. When our candles were ready, they were carefully packaged in cute bags for the trip home and included an aftercare pamphlet with burning instructions. It was funny -we went across the street to grab lunch at the Mexican restaurant when my friend received a phone call from the studio. They realized she had accidentally left her fragrance oils sitting on the table without adding them to her candle. The staff apologized profusely for not catching it during the class and reassured her that it could still be saved by adding the fragrance afterward and we could pick it up. My friend wasn't upset at all. She felt she had simply gotten distracted during that portion of the class, and she also uses a Cochlear Implant with stronger hearing on one side. Since the instructor was moving around the room while giving directions, it's entirely possible she missed that particular instruction. I really appreciated that the staff noticing the mistake after, reached out immediately, and resolving the issue to make it right with customer focus. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and would absolutely recommend it as a fun, creative outing for different occasions. The customer service was attentive, the reservation process was easy, and the instructors made the class understandable for beginners. While the fragrance selection wasn't perfectly aligned with my own scent preferences, I still enjoyed the experience and think the pricing is fair for a custom candle paired with a hands-on lesson.

I visited Create A Candle for a Galentine's Day event this year and had a wonderful time! This…read moreBlack-owned/Women-owned business allows customers to make candles in a comfortable, inviting setting in downtown Hagerstown. During my time at the shop, the instructor provided easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make the perfect candle for each of the "students". She walked us through choosing a fragrance, pouring the wax and decoration. The shop also has a beverage and lounge area that's perfect for relaxing and taking Instagram pictures. I will definitely visit again and recommend the shop to others as well.