Candlestreet opens its doors

MOUNT VERNON — Candlestreet Home Decor and More store offers the label “Made in America,” with a majority of the store’s offerings dedicated to products made by local and national artisans and crafters.

After retiring from Rolls-Royce in 2008, owner Betty Street turned her love of shopping into an experience that could be shared. She started with a variety of ideas, but maintained her vision of adding something unique to the Mount Vernon shopping area.

“We were trying to do something different from the other stores. We didn’t want to be in direct competition with any other store,” said Street. “We wanted to have a little bit of everything.”

Candlestreet has products for inside and outside of the home, as well as personal and cosmetics care. Quartersawn oak Amish furniture; Stephanie Dawn pursues, wallets, and handbags made in Ohio; Simple Divine botanical bodywash, face care, soap, deodorant, and other natural hygiene products made in Las Vegas; Zents perfumes, soaps and body creams made in Colorado, chocolates from Walnut Creek; and folk art designs and home decorations made by local artist Maurice and Kelly Dallas of Howard are just some of the merchandise found at Candlestreet.

Street sells items such as Jerusalem Stone — made from stone pieces quarried in the Holy Land but crafted and designed in the United States — and other artifacts to brighten the home.

Candlestreet offers seven varieties of candles to choose from, such as Woodwick candles, Simply Divine, Emerson Street, Twisted Wick, soy candles, Man candles, and Beez Wax candles by Long light.

For pet lovers, the store has a selection of dog and cat items, including bowls, beds, charms and other toys.

As people take to their gardens for “green” therapy and look for ways to adorn them, Candlestreet has a wide selection of cement figurines and statues gardeners can add to any memory garden or flower bed.

“Those have actually been a big seller,” said Street.

Although the store carries some items that are made out of the country, Street said the shop is dedicated to supporting local and national artists, designers and crafters.

Candlestreet offers a selection of patio furniture and outdoor pieces, handcrafted pottery, wall clocks and its own private label of coffee, as well as Harney & Sons tea and Country Home Creation soup mixes.

“We try to do all American-made products here, and about 95 percent of the store is,” said Street.

Over 300 customers have visited the shop since its opening a few weeks ago.

“People seem to be very appreciative that most of the merchandise is made in America,” she said.

Street said she is excited about being a part of the Mount Vernon business community, and seeks to be an addition to the local shopping experience.

“I love Mount Vernon, and I’ve always lived in Knox County,” she said. “We really want this to be an enjoyable experience for customers.”

Lyn Durbin, Street’s helper and friend, said the experience of opening the shop in Mount Vernon has been phenomenal opportunity to be a part of the business community, and work with local artisans and crafters.

Candlestreet will host an open house on April 30 with a ribbon cutting at noon. The store is located 1502 Coshocton Ave. in the Knox Village Square shopping plaza. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.