By: Lauren LaTulippe


Have you ever wondered what Carolina blue skies smell like? Look no further – UNC sophomore Bonnie Johnson’s company Chapel Hill Candle Co. captured it as well as other nostalgic scents unique to Chapel Hill.

During winter break her first year, Johnson worked for Bay Candle, a candle store in her hometown of Fairhope, Alabama. Her sister worked there for a long time before Johnson eventually joined her. Johnson learned how to make candles during her time there and discovered a passion for the process. Candle-making was therapeutic for her, and she found herself missing it whenever she came back to UNC.

“I was just sitting there one day, and I needed an extra money-maker,”   Johnson said. “I was thinking how I could start a candle store in Chapel Hill.”

Johnson’s goal was to create a gift that was more than just a T-shirt. She wanted to enable people to experience Chapel Hill even when they were away.

“People go and people leave,” Johnson said. “I wanted it to be bringing Chapel Hill home with you.”

Johnson started with more classic candle scents before moving to make candles more personalized to Chapel Hill. Now, Chapel Hill Candle Co. offers candle scents like “Franklin Street” and “Carolina Blue Skies” so customers can  bring a piece of Chapel Hill home with them. Johnson centered her most recent line around the floral scents of what blooms around Chapel Hill in the spring.

Chapel Hill Candle Co.’s candle inspired by North Carolina’s blue skies

Johnson began tinkering with the idea of Chapel Hill Candle Co. in December 2020, and by February , she had fully launched the business. Johnson had a successful start, with inventory flying off her shelves quickly and a number of deliveries she made herself. All of this she managed to do while being a full-time student and working a job.

Despite school and work, Johnson has expanded her business beyond just individual orders placed on her website. Currently, she is making an order of candles to be displayed in a home furnishing store in Mebane.

“Since mine’s online right now, people don’t get the experience of going in and smelling the candle,” Johnson said. “I liked (partnering with the home furniture store) because now people can go in, smell what they like, and choose their candle that way.”

Johnson even personalized candles for a woman’s 80th birthday party, including a logo and candles with the colors of the party’s theme.

“After the birthday party, a bunch of people were so happy with them, which was really good to hear,” Johnson said. “It’s something personal, but it’s also something that can help events like that to make it more special for someone.”

Johnson hopes to expand Chapel Hill Candle Co. into stores on Franklin Street to further her mission of giving people a way to truly bring Chapel Hill home.

Place an order with Chapel Hill Candle Co. at www.chapelhillcandleco.com. Shipping, delivery and pick-up is offered. You can also stay up to date with Chapel Hill Candle Co. through their Instagram – @chapelhillchandleco.