Vandergrift resident pours creativity into new candle and craft business

Stuck at home for long stretches during the pandemic, Shannon Gourley picked up the craft of making candles.

“It gave me something to focus on,” said Gourley, a Vandergrift resident and the mother of four.

Now, she has turned that creative accomplishment into a business, selling candles and promoting other crafts in downtown Vandergrift.

Her new store, Honey & Heart Candle and Craft Co., will host a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5, offering free refreshments and activities.

“I’ve never owned my own business, but I wanted to be involved to help revitalize this town. A vibrant business district is important,” said Gourley, 37.

The storefront at 151 Grant Ave. previously was Sander’s Pharmacy. Gourley signed a one-year lease for the space with her husband, Tim.

“We just love the old woodwork and ceiling,” Gourley said.

Gourley’s transition to becoming a business owner was gradual. During the lockdown, as her passion for candlemaking increased, she made so many that she began to sell them online. Later, she also sold them at Full Circle Furniture & Gifts in Vandergrift.

“They kept selling out,” Gourley said, as did her inventory at the Vandergrift Arts Festival. That level of success convinced her that “I’m crafty and the candles are working out for me.”

Before opening the store, Gourley held candlemaking workshops, which became a big hit. Beginning in April, customers will be able to walk into the store without an appointment and make their own custom-scented candle for $15.

Gourley said she wants customers to feel “at home” visiting Honey & Heart.

“My vision is to have a collaborative place for the community to gather,” she said. “A place where they can hang around, take a break and feel like it’s not a business.”

Gourley grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Northgate High School. Seven years ago, she moved from Cranberry to Vandergrift, her husband’s hometown. Their four children are home-schooled.

Gourley volunteers for several area organizations, including serving as the volunteer coordinator for YosYos, a crochet and knitting group that meets at the Vandergrift Public Library.

At Honey & Heart, the candles are sold in three sizes, priced from $13 to $18, and have a burn life of up to 60 hours. Each month, Gourley makes about 50 hand-poured, soy-blended candles in almost 30 scent varieties.

Popular scents include Winter in Vandergrift (mixed with Wassail scent), Dragon’s Blood, Hallmark Boyfriend, Fruit Loops, Apples and Maple Bourbon, Blackberry and Saffron, and Library, a tribute to the Vandergrift Public Library with smoke, suede and fireside scents.

In addition to candles, items for sale include children’s art supplies, organic plush stuffed animals and babydolls, bath bombs, canvas and acrylic and water color paints, crystals, and unique craft kits.

A lounge area in the front of the store will offer chairs, a children’s table, puzzles and complimentary coffee. A large table in the center of the store will be available for anyone wanting to get crafty.

The interior of the former drugstore, with numerous built-ins, has proved to be ideal for a craft store, Gourley said.

Gourley plans to host seasonal, children and adult workshops throughout the year.

A free Easter Bunny community event is scheduled for April 9. Customers are invited to take their own pictures and decorate a sugar cookie.

Every Friday the public is invited to a BYOB “Knitting Nights” from 6 to 8 p.m., offering knitting and crocheting. A large selection of high-end and more affordable yarns are in stock.

Vandergrift councilwoman Marilee Kessler said another new business opening in the borough’s historic district is great news.

“It’s nice to see a trend of small-town main street revitalization happening here,” Kessler said. “I think Honey & Heart is a perfect use that can be enjoyed by patrons of all ages.”