Image courtesy of Wicksup Candle Co.
A flicker of inspiration has ignited metro Detroit’s artisan scene with the opening of Wicksup Candle Co., a Black-owned candle boutique born from Aisha Sanders’ deep love for her city. More than just a store, Wicksup celebrates culture, creativity, and community through its eco-friendly, 100% soy wax candles, inviting locals to light up their lives with sustainable luxury. Established in 2022, the shop continues to shine as a symbol of Detroit pride and craftsmanship.
Sanders was born and raised in Detroit and decided to move to Tampa, Florida, for a while. However, she soon discovered she couldn’t stay away from home for too long and decided to return and start a candle-making business, which sparked the idea during the pandemic.
Previously working for the City of Detroit before diving into entrepreneurship, she noticed on her drive to and from work that there was a void and lack of different experiences outside of the traditional restaurants or bars catering to Black people.
“Coming home from the city county building, driving up Woodward, it’s either a restaurant or a bar,” Sanders said.
“I did a Google search for candle-making near us, and I didn’t find that there were any Black-owned candle-making in the area.”
When the pandemic restrictions were lifted, she opened a 600-square-foot shop in the oh-so-popular Greenfield Plaza and began offering in-person candle-making experiences.
Image courtesy of Wicksup Candle Co.
“When I started making candles, we had four different signature scents. We made them, and I took them to church and around to different events; people loved it.”
In line with her environmental commitment, Sanders uses eco-friendly materials in her candles, including soy wax and natural fragrances. With over 50 oil scents now available and mixed with 100% soy wax, customers can safely mix up any candle scent combination, from 7up Pound Cake to Pumpkin Soufflé to Eucalyptus.
“This is an all-natural product. So we don’t add carcinogens, pollutants, or toxic chemicals to our candles, just soy wax, fragrance oil designed to go with this type of wax blend; a little stirring and a little love, and your candle is made.”
Sanders eventually wanted to expand and moved from the 600-square-foot space to a 1,700-square-foot space in Oakland Mall. Now able to host up to 30 people at a time and offer private sessions, Sanders is creating and unlocking core memories.
“We just try to create memories and have a good time for about 45 minutes. Then you make a candle. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the candles to set.”
Wicksup is committed to giving back to the Detroit community. Sanders has partnered with local churches, nonprofits, and organizations to host workshops and events to empower aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women of color.
More than just hosting private events or girls’ days out. Sanders offers candle-making services to local nonprofits, employers for team-building activities, and the mentally disabled as a relaxing tool.
“We have hosted a lot of team building activities for different companies. We’ve done things with Visit Detroit, Detroit Edison, and a nonprofit group that comes in with mentally disabled adults,” Sanders said.
Owner, Aisha Sanders, Image courtesy of Wicksup Candle Co.
“You can also do a private event for eight up to thirty people, and you’ll have that session for two and a half hours. Or you might have the whole store to yourself on a Sunday.”
Sanders’s location in a mall,post-pandemic has so far worked in her favor. Now, it’s about people knowing she is in a new location and getting the word out.
“We have a lot more walk-in traffic, which is good. That was one of the reasons why we moved up. We have more walk-in traffic, especially on the weekend, because people are curious and stopping by to see what this is; what’s it all about,” Sanders said.
As Wicksup Candle Co. prepares for the holiday season and Sweetest Day, Sanders invites the community to celebrate local culture, creativity, and love. The Sweetest Day event will feature feel-good music, refreshments, and complimentary wine for those 21 and up.
Sanders is looking forward to continued expansion and would like to become a brand in malls across the country, specifically in Tampa, Las Vegas, and Atlanta.
“I think malls are coming back,” Sanders expressed.
“So, I’m really looking forward to being in this new space but also just continuing to grow our business.”
Wicksup Candle Co.
Located inside Oakland Mall
678 W 14 Mile Rd, Troy, MI 48083
(248) 658-8054
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