Our Story | Black Culture Candles
Crafted with care. Inspired by culture. Created with intention.
Black Culture Candles began with a simple belief; that some scents do more than smell good—they take you back to a moment, a memory, or a connection.
Founded by Lori Parnell in 2021, Black Culture Candles is an award-winning artisan candle studio where scent becomes a form of storytelling. Every candle invites you on a journey through joy, culture, and connection—honoring the joy of everyday moments.
We believe scent is a kind of language.
It tells stories. It holds memory. It connects people.
That’s why we created the Scent Journey—a guided experience to help you discover the candle that speaks to you. Every scent in our collection is inspired by the shared memories and experiences that connect us:
– The warmth of Grandma’s garden
– Saturday morning cleaning with the music turned all the way up
– Childhood laughter floating through sunlit summers
– The soft quiet of winding down after a long day
Our candles are inspired by Black cultural experiences, but the joy, nostalgia and comfort they hold are universal. If you’ve ever found joy in memory or comfort in scent, you belong here.
Our Mission
To take you on a Scent Journey through joy, culture, and connection—with luxury candles inspired by shared memories and experiences and crafted intentionally using eco-friendly ingredients.
Our Craftsmanship
Every candle is slow-made in small batches using:
– A vegan coconut apricot wax blend
– High-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils
– A crackling wooden wick for a clean, calming burn
– Etched glass for a soft, ambient glow
– Sustainable materials and intentional design
What began during the stillness of 2020—when joy was distant and connection felt lost—has become something deeper: a space to celebrate memory, and cultural legacy through scent.
Black Culture Candles is for anyone who lights a candle to shift the energy in a room.
Who cares about how a space feels.
Who believes scent tells a story.
If you’re looking for more than a candle—something beautiful, thoughtful, and full of meaning—you’re in the right place.
Take your time.
This isn’t just wax.
It’s culture, memory, and story—etched in glass.
Where will your Scent Journey take you?
Recognition & Press
We’re honored to have our story featured on platforms that celebrate creativity, culture, and craftsmanship.
– Fox8 Cleveland – Kicking It With Kenny
– Essence.com – Brand Feature
– PBS – Around Akron with Blue Green
– Akron Beacon Journal – Brand Feature
– Akron Life Magazine – Selected Best Trip Down Memory Lane
– Everyday Akron – Brand Feature
We’ve also received awards through regional business pitch competitions, including recognition from the Bounce Innovation Hub MORTAR Program for excellence in cultural storytelling and creative entrepreneurship.