Hands-on and experience-based businesses boost local economies

Guest post by Jason Duff, founder of Small Nation Ever wanted to pour your own candle? Now you can right here in Downtown Bellefontaine! Triple Moon Designs in Bellefontaine, Ohio, recently added a new and exciting candle bar, offering a unique experience not typically seen in small towns. My team has had the chance to try it out […]

Guest post by Jason Duff, founder of Small Nation

Ever wanted to pour your own candle? Now you can right here in Downtown Bellefontaine! Triple Moon Designs in Bellefontaine, Ohio, recently added a new and exciting candle bar, offering a unique experience not typically seen in small towns. My team has had the chance to try it out and they’re raving about it. Owner Jessica Epley has curated the best-smelling and cleanest scents, as well as some of the nicest vessels that range from only $20-$35.

In a colorful room, a woman is offering instructions to two men seated at a craft table, preparing to pour their own candles.

Candle making as a business gets a new spin in this “candle bar” where customers can design and make their own candles. Triple Moon Designs in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Photo courtesy of Small Nation.

Plus, if you like your created scent, Jessica can re-create it for you to make for the perfect Christmas or new client gift!

How Candle Making Creates an Economic Ripple Effect

Jessica’s new candle bar is a perfect example of the kind of destination-type experience that brings vitality and vibrancy to our community. Creating these unique experiences in a small town setting holds immense value. They draw both locals and visitors. The candle bar isn’t just about making candles; it’s about the experience of creativity and personalization. Visitors have the opportunity to craft something uniquely their own, and this hands-on activity creates a memorable and engaging experience that keeps people coming back.

One notable aspect is the two-hour curing time for the candles. This built-in waiting period is a strategic advantage for our downtown area. While their candles cure, visitors are encouraged to explore and enjoy the other offerings in Bellefontaine. They can dine at one of our local restaurants, browse the many boutiques, or enjoy a coffee at a nearby café. This not only enhances their overall experience but also supports other local businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic benefit.

By people like Jessica integrating destination-type experiences like the candle bar into our downtown, it’s creating a vibrant, interconnected community where businesses support each other. This synergy is vital for the sustained growth and development of small towns. It transforms our downtown into a lively hub of activity and engagement, attracting more visitors and encouraging local residents to explore and invest in their own community.

About the guest author

Jason Duff is the Founder of Small Nation. He leads the Small Nation team in developing places, spaces and dreams for small towns and small town entrepreneurs across the country. The 4th generation of a family of entrepreneurs, he started his own businesses before leading a team that has completely revitalized the city of Bellefontaine, Ohio, population 14,000. Read more about how Jason and team did it at Small Nation.