West Side native Christina Fernandez has opened a
candle shop on Elmwood Avenue, not far from where she grew up.
Candles by Christina, located at 1006 Elmwood Ave. opened its doors in September. It offers
the community all-natural, environment friendly soy candles.
“Being
that I grew up on Hudson Street, on the lower West side, we didn’t have much back then. To be back here now
is a blessing,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez said she decided her shop would fit perfectly
in the Elmwood Village. Since opening, the community has been supportive and
welcoming to her, she said.
For five years Fernandez has been testing potential candle ideas. She discovered that soy candles are a healthier alternative
to
typical candles. Her handmade soy
candles are all-natural with no negative impacts on the environment and are made
with essential oils. Fernandez was
inspired to create these soy candles while shopping for décor and noticing that
the candles for sale were overpriced and bad for the environment.
“Our candles are healthier to have in your home
and are very affordable compared to other companies out there,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez has created over 30 different candle
scents since the opening. She offers a variety of candle sizes and candle
melts.
She said she hopes
to open up a second location in the Buffalo area within the next year. By L'Oreal Adams and Kim Kowal
