Nestled in the culturally rich neighborhood of Mount Airy in Philadelphia, Mount Airy Candle Co. is a remarkable black-owned business known for its hand-poured, uniquely scented luxury candles. Founded in 2018 by Marques Davis, this company has not only carved a niche in the competitive candle market but has become a symbol of passion, creativity, and community empowerment in Philadelphia’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
Marques Davis started the business as a personal gift-giving project but quickly realized the broad appeal of his artisan candles. Today, Mount Airy Candle Co. produces up to 300 candles per month, offering custom scents and carefully curated collections that evoke the nature, diversity, and historic spirit of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. With its commitment to quality and sustainability, the company uses soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and cotton-paper wicks, marrying eco-conscious practices with luxurious sensory experiences.
The Story Behind the Scents
Marques’ inspiration to create candles began in October 2017 when he desired to gift handmade, meaningful presents to loved ones. He learned candle-making techniques through online tutorials and local suppliers, crafting his products from his home in Mount Airy. What started as a side passion turned into a full-fledged business driven by community support and growing demand.
Mount Airy Candle Co. offers four curated scent collections that tell stories and create moods:
- Earth & Ether: Features scents inspired by nature such as Sea Salt & Mist and White Tea & Ginger.
- Florals & Fruits: Sweet and vibrant options like Gardenia & Jasmine and Grapefruit Mimosa.
- Musk & Man: Deep, aromatic blends such as Golden Teakwood and Tobacco Noire.
- Sugar & Spice: Herbaceous and warm scents, including Spice Poached Pear and Black Pepper & Cardamom.
Seasonal offerings like Cranberry Woods and Pumpkin & Chai Spice evoke cozy, autumnal feelings, enhancing the sensory connection to time and place. Customers also love the Citronella Citrus candle, praised for its effectiveness in keeping away mosquitoes during warm months.
Their products come in three sizes—a 6-ounce tin, a 9.5-ounce glass tumbler, and a 16.5-ounce apothecary jar—with burn times ranging between 40 hours. Additionally, their body care offerings such as pillow sprays and body butters complement the candle lines.
The Impact and Recognition
Mount Airy Candle Co. has garnered attention and accolades across Philadelphia and beyond. The brand has been recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as a standout local business and was named one of the top 25 Black-owned candle companies in the U.S. by Harper’s Bazaar. Its products are stocked not only on its website but also in prominent local retailers like The Mercantile in Northwest Philadelphia, Rothe Florists in Mount Airy, and featured in farmers markets around the region.
Marques Davis balances running the candle business with his full-time marketing job, embodying a commitment to quality and innovation. His company’s growth narrative reflects resilience and community engagement, especially during the pandemic when in-person sales halted. By amplifying the online presence and redesigning the website, Mount Airy Candle Co. successfully expanded wholesale orders and diversified retail relationships.
Location and Contact Information
For those eager to experience these exquisite candles firsthand or support a thriving black-owned business, Mount Airy Candle Co. is readily accessible through several channels.
- Website: mountairycandle.com
- Physical Address: 633 W. Rittenhouse Street, Unit #3, Philadelphia, PA 19144
- Phone Number: (Please refer to the website for direct contact details)
- Email: (Information available via website contact form)
To visit, here is the Google Maps Directions to Mount Airy Candle Co. to guide you easily to their studio in the historic Mount Airy neighborhood.
Why Choose Mount Airy Candle Co.?
The company blends artistry with sustainability—the candles are handmade using soy wax for clean burning and environmentally responsible production. The attention to detail in scent pairing creates fragrances unheard of in mass market candles, attracting aficionados and everyday users alike. The packaging is sleek and minimal, reflecting modern aesthetics while keeping the product accessible and elegant.
The heart of the brand lies in its connection to community—with each candle carrying the narrative of Mount Airy itself, a neighborhood known for diversity, activism, and cultural richness. This black-owned business exemplifies how thoughtful entrepreneurship can uplift a community while providing luxury products that bring comfort and joy.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Like Mount Airy Candle Co.
Supporting Mount Airy Candle Co. means more than purchasing a candle—it’s about nurturing an ecosystem that values diversity, history, and local economy. The company stands as an example of the power of small business to create jobs, inspire creativity, and strengthen neighborhoods. Whether you buy as a gift or for your home ambiance, you contribute to uplifting black entrepreneurship and Philadelphia’s creative sectors.
Additional Retailers and Events Featuring Mount Airy Candle Co.
Mount Airy Candle Co.’s presence in Philadelphia extends through collaborations and retail partnerships including:
- The Mercantile, Northwest Philadelphia
- Rothe Florists in nearby Mount Airy
- Farmers markets in Elkins Park
- Marsh + Mane, a boutique on South Street emphasizing natural hair and wellness, highlighting the candle line during Black History Month and beyond
These partnerships strengthen the brand’s reach and provide multiple access points for the community to engage directly with the products and the stories behind them.
Mount Airy Candle Co. offers Philadelphia a luminous blend of scent and story, rooted deeply in the identity of a city that values heritage, innovation, and inclusion. Marques Davis’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and community connection exemplifies the spirit of black-owned business success in the region.
For those seeking luxury candles infused with soul and originality, Mount Airy Candle Co. presents an inviting beacon of light, aroma, and culture.
Visit them online today or plan a trip to their Mount Airy studio to experience locally made artistry that transforms any space into a sanctuary.
For more resources celebrating vibrant black-owned businesses in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, please visit MyPhillyConnection.
Have any thoughts?
Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0
-
0