Creating community through candles at Willow + Harlow in Port Jefferson

For Christine Santos, opening her first brick-and-mortar candle shop was inspired by a hobby and the desire to cultivate a sense of community in her Port Jefferson hometown.

Santos began selling candles at local markets, events and fairs and taught candle-making workshops at Wellness Stop in Port Jefferson, starting in 2021. The elementary school teacher in the Riverhead Central School District opened her shop, Willow + Harlow, in early March in Port Jefferson.

"I wanted to build a cozy, creative space where people could slow down, connect, and experience the joy of hand-poured candle-making," she says. "It's all about blending memory, scent, and artistry in a way that feels personal and meaningful."

The name of the shop also holds a special place in Santos' heart.

"While I was pregnant, I had a list of baby girl names I loved; Willow and Harlow were always at the top. When I found out I was having a boy, those names remained tucked away," she says. " Years later, when it came time to name my business, it felt only right to bring them to life in a different way. Willow + Harlow is a tribute to that moment in time and the beauty of new beginnings."

The shop also hosts self-guided candle-making experiences for $50 per person, with a discounted rate of $44 for children under 15. The shop will host themed events like "Bubbly Pour" and "Wine & Pour Wednesdays" ($45 per person). The store plans to launch a candle-making club and candle box subscription.

 "Candle-making began as a peaceful, hands-on outlet; something I could do during nap times, after school or in the summer when life slowed down a bit."

Workshops range from $30 to $100. Willow + Harlow’s candles are hand-poured using 100% soy wax, wooden wicks and made using nontoxic, paraben-free and eco-friendly fragrance oils.

Signature scents include Velvet Fog, a blend of bergamot, mint, cedarwood, patchouli, and jasmine; Dusk, a combination of amber, musk, driftwood, and patchouli; and Bailey, a fruity mix of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of light musk.

Santos has been collaborating with other local small-business owners to host workshops for people of all ages and interests, including sensory and social-emotional activities for kids. Examples include cupcake piping classes that engage fine motor skills and journaling sessions that support emotional expression. Customers can purchase curated gift sets, wax melts, wick cutters, matches, and cards for any occasion.

The candles come in a variety of mediums, such as classic clear glass, sleek black matte, luxury bohemian styles and hand-carved wooden bowls. Sizes range from 8 ounces to 25 ounces, with prices ranging from $15 to $40. There is a refill program for the wooden vessels. Customers can bring theirs back to the store and have them refilled with the same scent at a discounted price.

Willow + Harlow, 208 E Main St., Port Jefferson, 631-260-5473, willowharlow.com.