Tucked into a second-floor space in downtown Bradenton, there’s a small, family-owned candle company that’s turning into one of the area’s favorite hidden gems.
Finding Love & Glow Candle Co. is the hard part. There's no storefront window, just a small sign at street level and an arrow to send you up the stairs. But the search is well worth the effort.
Let’s start with the candles. They’re hand-poured, beautifully scented, and made from ingredients you can feel good about bringing into your home. The base is a blend of soy and beeswax from a local beekeeper, so they’ll burn clean and hold their scent.
They’re also the gift that keeps on giving. When the candle burns down, you don’t just toss it. Instead, you can bring it back, and they’ll refill it with a brand new candle for half price. You won’t find that at TJ Maxx.
“Get Lit” candle classes are where the real fun begins
The first Saturday of each month from 11 am to 7 pm, Love & Glow Candle Co. offers hands-on candle-making workshops that are affordable and fun for the whole family.
You’ll start by choosing your vessel, with options ranging from a simple glass jar to large wooden shapes like paws, animals, or crosses. Then, you’ll design your own custom scent, choose your colors, and pour your own candles.
The vessels range from $4 to $50, plus a $15 workshop fee ($5 for kids). Co-owner Dawna DeStefano says the pricing is intentional. "I don't want you leaving here thinking, wow, that was fun, but that was a one-time thing," she explains. Instead, they would rather create an experience people can enjoy time and again. And just like with the premade candles, you’re welcome to bring your vessels back and refill them for half price.
There’s no need to schedule an appointment ahead of time, just drop in any time between 11 am and 7 pm. And if you prefer a private group for a birthday, baby shower, bachelorette party, or date night, they’re happy to accommodate that too. Just reach out at loveandglowcandleco@gmail.com and tell them what you have in mind.
What started as a passion project is now a true family business
Love & Glow Candle Co. started at the DeStefano family’s kitchen table, with Dawna DeStefano using it as her form of aromatherapy. ” She was making candles for herself while she was home with her kids. Her mom and other extended family members asked for some, and eventually asked what she would charge for them. Dawna and her husband Kyle sat down, worked out a price structure, and decided to test it.
A connection from the downtown law firm where Kyle works invited them to their first market. They bought a tent, a couple of weights, a couple of tables, and showed up with maybe four or five scents.
They sold out.
"So we looked at each other and went, okay, I guess this has to be a real thing," Dawna says. And the rest is history.
Today, any time you stop by the downtown Bradenton location, you’re likely to run into the whole family. Dawna, Kyle, and their daughter Hayleigh are typically front and center, with the rest of the gang nearby.
There’s a good chance they’ll be pouring candles, stocking shelves, or preparing for their next workshop, but they’re never too busy to give guests a warm welcome and help you find your new favorite scent.
Plan your visit
Love & Glow Candle Co. is located at 529 13th St W Ste 205, Bradenton, FL 34205. They’re currently open from 9 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, plus 11 am to 7 pm on the first Saturday of each month.
You can find their candles at The Teal Turtle Boutique, The Dakin Dairy Farm, Sleep Pros USA & North River Body Therapies or purchase directly from their online store. They’re also frequently on-site at local markets and pop-up events. Visit their website or follow Love & Glow Candle Co. on Facebook to keep up with the latest updates. And when you visit, be sure to tell them you heard about it on Discover Bradenton.
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