Finding the perfect candle is a subjective experience. Where one person may prefer a light, floral scent in a heart-shaped, decorative base, another may opt for a musky, woodsy scent in a plain, metal tin. No preference is a bad preference, especially not at Pour! DIY Candle Studio and Home Decor located in St. Johns, where custom candle making is their specialty.
Pour!’s storefront is divided into three primary elements: a home decor and gift boutique, a DIY candle studio and a premium candle retail collection known as Sophie Kate Candles.
In the boutique, guests can find everyday gifts such as pillows, throws, tableware, plateware, glassware, hats, decorative items and much more. In the seasonal months, the boutique changes themes to offer kitchy items, gifts and decor perfect for that time of year.
Then, there’s the DIY candle studio, which founder and owner Katie Bono said helped turn her homemade candle business into a brick-and-mortar storefront about a year ago.
When guests enter the candle studio, they’re faced with the scent wall — a massive collection of 50 scent possibilities that guests can select for creating their own custom candles. Out of that assortment, 40 scents are year-round, and 10 are changed seasonally to give guests the opportunity to match their candle scent to the time of year. Guests can choose their vessel, which varies in style, color and size, and select either one or a handful of scents to mix at the scent bar.
“It’s really a teaching moment,” Bono said. “We give them instructions and teach them about the process, then we do some mixology instruction, teaching them about the oils, and then we help pour their candles.”
Bono said the DIY candle studio is equipped with cozy couches and offers a selection of beverages to enjoy while guests wait for their candles to cool. The studio sees all sorts of groups, everything from birthdays and bridal parties to team-building activities and girls’ nights out.
“We really encourage people to come hang out. It’s not just about pouring the candles; that’s part of the experience. We want people to use the space to make memories, to celebrate their important milestones,” Bono said.
Before opening her first storefront, Bono spent 25 years as an elementary school teacher. About a decade ago, she started her premium candle business, Sophie Kate Candles, as a side business. Bono retired from teaching four years ago and now focuses solely on Pour! and her candle business, which she said has grown organically throughout the years thanks to the St. Johns and Nocatee communities.
“I do pinch myself every once in a while,” Bono said. “My favorite thing is connecting with people and celebrating special moments, whether it’s a first date or a baby shower. Just seeing people enjoy themselves. It’s been a beautiful journey.”
The storefront stands alone for now, but Bono has dreams of opening a second location, thanks to the success of the first. Even further down the line, she hopes to franchise the business, but until that moment comes, she mentioned that the store is looking into expanding its DIY options to include body sprays, scrubs, lotions and even room diffusers.
