Founders: Bria and David Smith
Opened Brick-and-Mortar Store in December 2023
- Location: 18 Cabarrus Avenue East | Concord, NC 28025
- DIY candle-making experiences, beautifully crafted candles, cozy pajamas, and thoughtful gifts.
Cabarrus Center Resources Utilized
- Retail Lab | Spring 2023
- Awarded $2,500 Flywheel Foundation Grant
- Cabarrus Chamber Membership
Entrepreneurial Journey
- While working on her own self care, Bria wanted to share her craft and scents with the world. That’s when Bria and her husband, David, began Her Candle Bar (DBA “Her Authentic Self”).
- As they worked on starting their business, they faced challenges with financing and business operations. They soon found out about the Cabarrus Center’s Retail Lab program and applied to participate.
- Bria and David graduated from the Retail Lab program in Spring 2023.
Tapping Into Local Resources
- Immediately after graduating from the Retail Lab program in Spring 2023, Bria and David had the opportunity to pitch their business concept to the Cabarrus Center’s Entrepreneurship Council for a chance to receive a $2,500 grant through the Flywheel Foundation. Her Candle Bar was one of five Spring 2023 graduates to receive a $2,500 grant for their business.
- In October 2023, Her Candle Bar became a member of the Cabarrus Chamber, tapping into the organization’s many relationship-building opportunities.
Her Candle Bar Opens in Concord
- December 8, 2023 | Her Candle Bar opens brick-and-mortar store located at 18 Cabarrus Avenue East, Concord, NC 28025.
- They celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Cabarrus Chamber and its members.
- Bria credits the Retail Lab for helping her launch her business.
In the News
- Her Candle Bar providing an outlet for self-care in Concord (WCNC Charlotte, 12-20-2023)
- Her Candle Bar is ready to ignite your senses (Cabarrus Weekly, 12-12-2023)
- Her Candle Bar celebrates grand opening with Chamber ribbon cutting (Cabarrus Chamber, 12-10-2023)
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The Cabarrus Center Retail Lab graduates 14 local entrepreneurs, awards 5 grants (Cabarrus Center, 5-22-2023)
