Burning Bright: Local candle shop expands selection to welcome spring
“People who like to dine out and buy music at Bull Moose or get a book also like to buy candles,” Yaun said. “Especially in summer, people like to browse around the shops before dinner or afterwards.”
When she first opened on Congress Street, Yaun put up a big sign so that people could see her new location from Market Square. To her surprise, she found that more and more of her customers were coming from the other end of Congress Street. She said they park near the former Portsmouth Public Library or in the parking garage.
In 1993, when Yaun bought Portsmouth Candle Company, the trend of candles and accessories was just beginning to grow. She said it was just good luck that the timing was right for her to buy when the former owner decided to sell.
Yaun sells much more than just candles and candle holders. Products include electrical light fixtures by local artist Chris DiBernardo of Purity Lighting; elaborate candle holders made by Peter Hapney, a local blacksmith; and merchandise from more than 100 distributors.
Yaun said she tries to buy as much as she can from local artists, and some customers have suggested she change the name of her store so people know she sells more than just candles.
“I think it’s so important to support local artisans,” Yaun said. “I also buy from local potters and glassmakers.”
As well as local artisans, she buys merchandise from the United States and all over the world.
For the coming tourist season, Yaun is expanding her product line to also include things tourists might want to pick up, such as an ornament with a Portsmouth identity or symbol. Along with local merchants, she will be selling the jigsaw puzzles that show Portsmouth and Kittery on them.
