Kelley Major, the owner/creator of candle company Candelles and 2021 CAN BE Innovation Center graduate, hosted a ribbon-cutting for her new retail store, Honey's House, on Friday, Aug. 30.

The store, which is located at 67 W. Butler Drive, Drums, will not only offer Candelles candles and other home goods, but also hopes to serve as a community hub. Major plans to host candle-making workshops as well as classes led by other local artists in mediums like crochet, embroidery, and painting.

"I hope Honey's House becomes known as a creative hub for our community," she said. "I'm looking forward to bringing people together through workshops and celebrating the local artistry in the area."

Serendipitously, the grand opening date of Honey's House holds an additional special meaning. It's the 11th anniversary of Major’s grandmother’s death, who was the inspiration behind starting the candle business. Major had been making and selling candles out of her home, when her grandmother, whom she affectionately called “Honey,” was diagnosed with cancer. Major decided to start a candle fundraiser to assist with her grandmother’s medical bills, and the two worked together to choose scents that were meaningful to them. However, Honey tragically passed away just two weeks later. Even though her grandmother didn't get to see the full results, Major continued selling the candles as a way to "spread her light" and honor her memory.

As the business expanded, she found it increasingly difficult to manage Candelles’ growth, which is where her story with the CAN BE Innovation Center begins. Major started with 900 square feet of space, and over the four years she was part of the incubator program, she was able to expand to over 2,500 square feet before graduating into a light manufacturing space within the CAN DO Corporate Center. She credits this growth to the support, resources, and mentorship provided by CAN DO’s entrepreneurial arm.

“Having that kind of team to back you up and give guidance and assistance was just tremendously helpful,” she said. “I definitely think that I would not have felt as confident to be making such big moves without having them in my corner.”

Though the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, leading Major to downsize and pivot to open this retail location, she will still continue to manufacture Candelles candles inside Honey’s House, as well as offer more opportunities for artists and community members alike.

“Starting and growing a business is never without its obstacles, but it's in those moments of uncertainty that true entrepreneurs shine,” said Jocelyn Sterenchock, CAN DO’s Director of Economic Development. “Kelley's journey scaling Candelles, and now pivoting as she opens Honey's House, exemplifies the courage and perseverance needed grow as an entrepreneur and sustain your operations. I’m tremendously proud to play a small part in her journey!”

If you are interested in starting a business of your own or want to learn more about the Innovation Center, contact Nico Makuta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit canbe.biz for more information.

For more information about Kelley, Candelles, and Honey, visit wearehoneyshouse.com.