Matt Emma
Wick It Candle Bar
Wick It Candle Bar is not just a candle-making experience. It’s a movement led by Danica Hartenfels to bring people together, ignite creativity, and give back to the community, all while keeping sustainability at its core.
Danica’s journey to launching Wick It Candle Bar in early 2023 didn’t begin with a business plan. It began with a need for creative escape. Like many during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she found solace in a hobby. “Some people baked bread, others painted,” she recalls. “I started making candles.” But what began as a simple personal outlet quickly evolved into something much bigger.
“I had spent years in the corporate world in America. I understood business, planning, and strategy, but I missed community, creativity, and impact,” Danica shares. Her moment came during a girls’ retreat in the Finger Lakes of New York with her best friend. “Over a bottle of wine, we dreamed up the name, the concept, and the branding,” she adds.
Within 60 days of that weekend, Danica trademarked the name and hosted her very first event. That candle-making workshop, meant to support another small business owner, made it clear she was onto something special. “It was not just about candles,” Danica says. “It was about bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating something meaningful.”
Danica Hartenfels
Today, Wick It Candle Bar operates as a mobile candle-making bar that partners with local wineries, breweries, and restaurants in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains and the surrounding regions. The partnerships are collaborative and mutually beneficial. “I might include the first glass of wine or beer in the ticket price,” Danica explains. “That guarantees my partners some revenue while offering customers a full experience.”
A typical event draws 20 to 30 people, usually on weeknights, bringing foot traffic that many of these local businesses would not otherwise see. “It’s a win-win. I get to build my business, and they get exposure and patrons,” Danica says. These candle-making events don’t stop at local communities. Wick It Candle Bar also combines candle-making classes and team-building events for companies, both large and small, sparking connections among colleagues.
Danica’s mission goes beyond commerce. Philanthropy is at the heart of her brand. “I just did a large fundraiser at our local hospital and donated 20% of all ticket sales,” she says. “I was raised with a lot of love and generous hearts, so giving back is not optional for me; it’s essential.”
That community-first philosophy also extends to her products. Wick It Candles are made from 100% soy wax, contain phthalate-free fragrance oils, and use only cotton wicks. They are non-toxic, pet-safe, and kid-safe. “I always joke with my guests that technically, you could drink the melted soy wax, but please don’t, especially if you are sipping wine!” she says.
Even the candle containers are designed with sustainability in mind. Danica states, “I use glass or tin vessels, and I encourage everyone to reuse them, for planters, office supplies, hair ties, or to just get creative. That’s part of the fun, making something beautiful and then giving it a second life.”
Her growing client base includes not just casual guests but also brides and bridesmaids seeking unique experiences. She says, “We have had candle-making bridal showers and even a wedding where each guest made a candle as a favor. The labels had the couple’s names and wedding date. It was so personal and memorable.”
Danica is currently expanding into candle-making events and wholesale distribution. “I learned something powerful from being on an entrepreneurial game show about focusing your energy on what’s working best, and I have just landed my first national distributor,” she says. “It’s clear that there’s room for Wick It candles on shelves across the country, not just in the Poconos.”
Her approach is paying off. In just her first year, Danica has already earned significant recognition. She was awarded the Woman in Business Award by the Pocono Chamber of Commerce. Danica also received the “Tiny But Mighty” business award and was named for the Richard “Dick” Seip Distinguished Citizen Award 2025 for her philanthropic efforts.
Reflecting on her philanthropic impact, Danica remains grounded. “I do this to bring people joy, build something sustainable, and leave my community a little brighter than I found it,” she remarks.
Wick It Candle Bar is not just a business. It’s a beacon, lit by one woman’s vision, fueled by connection, and built to last.