YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
After debuting late last year in the Rountree neighborhood, a do-it-yourself candle shop plans to move downtown next month.
Rose Cochran, who co-owns Heirloom Candle Bar LLC with her husband, Garrett, said the shop will expand into larger space at 400 W. Walnut St.
Since opening in November, Heirloom has coexisted with the couple’s other venture, Fleur Floral Studio LLC, at 1423 E. Cherry St., Ste. 101. Cochran said the candle bar fills around 500 square feet in the 1,200-square-foot shop and has seating for roughly 20 people.
“It’s tight in there with the two businesses. Getting started, I thought this would totally be enough space,” she said, adding Heirloom currently turns some customers away on occasion due to space constraints.
Cochran said she originally hesitated to open the businesses in different buildings as she didn’t want to sacrifice family time by having to shuttle around town to each of them. The four-employee staff at Heirloom has helped to ease that concern, she said.
“The business runs itself with the team that I’ve got. So, I don’t have to do much,” she said. “I’m not in Heirloom working, so it just made sense to move it out.”
A March 16 opening in the 2,000-square-foot downtown space is anticipated, she said, adding the shop should remain open in Rountree until then.
Cochran estimated renovation and relocation costs of $16,000, adding the couple signed a three-year lease for $2,000 per month with building owner Dr. Howard Follis. She said Follis also previously owned software company Juxly LLC. The building at the southwest corner of Walnut Street and Campbell Avenue also formerly housed Fresh Gallery, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.
The concept at Heirloom involves customers coming in and selecting a vessel along with a variety of fragrance oils for their candle. They then pour their wax, place the wick and mix the products together, according to past reporting.
Once Heirloom moves, Cochran said the shop will have a larger selection of premade candles, vessels and scents. She’s also pursuing a liquor license with the intention of having a limited selection of drinks available for purchase as customers make their candles.
“We’re excited about being able to host more people and serve them better,” she said. “The location made sense because it’s got pretty decent parking around it, which is a little harder to come by downtown.”
Guest columnist Donnie Brawner says many entrepreneurs stray from their original business ventures, which is often a recipe for success.
