“If it’s smelly, we make it” – that’s the motto of the new Magnolia Scents store in downtown Greenville.
Magnolia Scents both makes and sells its candles, soaps and bath and body products from its new location at 209 N. Main St. All products are made from natural ingredients, most are plant-based and the candles are made with soy, said owner Brian Hight.
This is Hight’s second location. The first, in Independence, Kan., may seem an unlikely pairing with Greenville, but Hight has family who moved to the area three years ago and convinced him he needed to open a store here. Hight came to visit in June 2012 and said, “We’ve gotta do this. We have to be here.”
Hight searched for the perfect location and has spent the past several months refurbishing the former UPS Store space. The store has exposed brick and refinished original hardwood floors.
“It’s a great mix of old and new,” he said, “and to be able to bring the building back was so special.”
Everything is made right in the center of the store so customers can watch. A master chandler – aka expert candle-maker – will oversee the candle-making production.
Hight said many tricks and trade secrets go into creating candles, including making sure the wax is the exact right temperature to pour, the recipe and blends, and the wicking.
“It’s a surprising amount of chemistry,” said Manager Tina Rodgers, who moved from Independence to head up the Greenville store.
The store will have “thousands of products” with a wide range of scents and sizes. Orange chili pepper is their most popular candle. A scent called “Dude” – a blend of leather and clean scents – is popular with men.
Magnolia Scents also plans to offer on-site classes where customers can make their own candles. “There is a demand in downtown for hands-on activities,” said Hight. They’ll also take orders for custom scents and fragrance-free products, and will offer customized labels for gifts, weddings, businesses and other special events. Free shipping is available on some orders.
The store had its soft opening last week and will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 18. Rodgers said contests, giveaways and other promotions are planned.
Hight said the Greenville location is “testing the concept in a new urban environment” and he hopes to expand into other markets and locations in the future.
