Atiya Wise, owner of Vanessa Lynn Collections (VLC) in Elkins Park, has turned a DIY candle-making hobby into a thriving business.

Named in honor of Wise’s late mother, Vanessa, VLC first opened at 7900 High School Road in 2023 and offers greater Glenside a selection of gift items, including assorted knickknacks, holiday baskets, tasty treats, and plenty of stylish candles made by hand.

“I started out making candles just for myself and started doing so professionally at pop-up events,” Wise, who lives minutes away from the shop, said. “My mother was an interior designer, so I wanted to combine the concepts.”

Among VLC’s specialties are eco-friendly, non-toxic candles made from coconut apricot wax. Wholesale orders for businesses are available upon request.

Their DIY group classes have steadily picked up and are expected to expand moving forward.

“You can have a candle making party with a group. You can also make body butter, beard oil, coffee mugs,” she said. “We even have children-friendly candle making classes coming soon, too.”

To sign up for a class, you can call the shop at 267-415-6594. To check out more of their inventory and upcoming events, you can visit their Facebook page and their Instagram page.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.