Chris and Tia Holloway didn’t set out to open a candle shop. Their journey began with a simple date night at the Cork and Candles in King of Prussia.
Facing serious new health challenges, including complications from a kidney transplant, Chris was looking for a change. What started as a creative outing became something more: an idea for a new chapter. Within months, the couple had signed a franchise agreement and were building their own shop in Ardmore.
Cork and Candles Ardmore opened in November 2024, offering guests a creative, low-pressure atmosphere where they can blend fragrances, name their creations, and decorate custom candles—all while enjoying music and sipping wine. The shop is BYOB and hosts a variety of events, including date nights, bridal showers, and corporate team-building sessions.
Guests begin by choosing from more than 40 fragrance oils, organized by category in the store’s scent library. After blending scents and pouring wax into their chosen vessel, guests wait for their candles to cool while relaxing at live-edge wood tables or browsing the boutique-style retail section.
Though part of a franchise, the Ardmore shop has its own flair. The Holloways added curated music and design touches that reflect their personalities and hospitality. Tia calls their Cork and Candles more of a ‘boutique experience.’
The Holloways aim to create an atmosphere that’s relaxed, inviting, and elevated. It’s as much about the experience as it is the candles.
“We treat every guest like it’s a five-star experience,” Chris said.
Learn more about the candle-making experience or book a reservation at Corks and Candles.
