Whether you want to make your own candles, get a new one every month, or search for a Virgo’s last-minute birthday gift — there’s a candle shop out there for you!
Workshop Apothecary (Douglass Park)
Workshop Apothecary at 2021 S. Western Ave. was founded by a massage therapist who wanted to create soap that would be safe for her clients’ sensitive skin. Since then, she’s created over 30 scent variations!
- 🕯️ Workshop Apothecary mostly sells soaps, fragrances, and lotions, but they offer a mindfulness and candle-making workshop!
Chicago Candle Co. (Pilsen)
This family business upcycles the bottoms of empty wine bottles and uses them as vessels for their homemade soy wax candles! Chicago Candle Co. at 1100 W. Cermak Rd. is run by a couple with two young sons who help out with imagining new and creative scents.
- 🎃 Check out Chicago Candle Co.’s fall favorites collection, featuring intoxicating scents like Pumpkin Battered Rum and Spiked Cinnamon Latte.
The Scent Queens (Albany Park)
Next time you’re looking for a gift, you should stop by The Scent Queens at 3728 West Montrose Ave. In addition to homemade candles, they sell home decor, jewelry, fancy soaps, and much more. And they’re opening a new store in Andersonville soon!
- 🧘 If you go for a candle-making class, you can also book additional experiences like a private yoga session (in their studio next door) or a tarot card reading.
Max Candle (Roseland)
Max Candle at 11336 S. Michigan Ave. was founded by a family who used the art of making candles together as a way to heal and grieve the unexpected loss of a loved one. Through their shop, they hope to help others use aromatherapy to find peace.
- 📦 Overwhelmed by all the options? Max Candle offers a subscription service! For $65 a month, you can receive a rotating selection of seasonal scented candles in the mail.

