When Ajia Loomis was let go from her corporate job during the pandemic lockdown she dreamed of owning a place where people could relax, socialize and make their own scented candles. She succeeded in 2021 by opening ALL Love Candles in Manchester, located in Hilliard Mills, 642 Hilliard St. “People walk in and feel this energy about the space,” Loomis said, of the 800-square-foot shop.
”It’s what I wanted this to be. My dream actually came true with that.” The business, sometimes called the “candle bar” is a place where friends, couples, even kids or parties celebrating events can gather to design their own candles with choices of 40 scents and several vessels in which to make them.
They can decorate with sparkles, rose petals and lots of other items, as well as making their own labels. The vibe is chill with music, twinkle lights, comfortable seating,and a BYOB and/or bring your own food option. There is a restaurant, Georgie’s Kitchen and a brewery, 2nd Bridge Brewing Co, located in the same building, so guests can even buy there and bring it in.
“It’s simple, not stressful,” Loomis said of the candle making. “And it’s therapeutic: the scents and warmness of the wax.” One measure of that, Loomis said, is that many guests want to “linger,” long after the candles are done.
“We never ask anyone to leave,” she said. Customer Kate Noonan said she loves everything about ALL Love Candles. “It’s just a really tranquil, peaceful place,” Noonan.