Sparta Candle Co. is located in downtown Sparta, NC, and has a beautiful history. It was founded in 2019 when the owner wanted to create clean and healthy candles for a family member. The business grew from there and moved into its current storefront on Main Street back in 2021. What initially brought me to the store was tracking down the Art Wooten mural painted by artist Scott Nurkin as part of the NC Musicians Trail. What truly pulled me through the main front door, however, was their warm "Come As You Are" sign and the creative plant-filled bathtub displayed in the window. I knew immediately it was a place where I wanted to shop. I almost didn't venture inside, as heavy scents frequently trigger headaches for me, but the air inside this shop was remarkably clean and didn't trigger any sensitivity at all. Everything in the store is handmade in small batches, ranging from their premium candles and room sprays to diffusers and liquid soaps. They utilize 100% natural, plant-based soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks, and completely dye-free, phthalate-free clean fragrances. The shop is organized by scent rather than product type. This layout makes it easy to shop after you find the scents you like. If you are a Swiftie fan, there is a section for you! I went with the Showgirl scent, which is part of their Swift collection, and the local New River scent. But there were a lot to choose from, so that you can find the perfect gift for someone or yourself. The customer service from the staff was warm and attentive, completely matching the cozy, local vibe of the mountain community. I was also given a sample of Folklore. The shop is divided into two sections, with the front retail area and the back holding inventory and likely where the candle-making classes are held. I only wish I lived closer so I could take advantage of those workshops, but it gives me the perfect excuse to plan a return visit. I didn't notice the gorgeous, historic exposed brick walls until I was leaving, and I appreciate that the owners preserved the authentic character and heritage of the building. Between the top-tier ingredients, the thoughtful store layout, and the welcoming environment, this is a five-star anchor destination for downtown Sparta. read more

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I love everything about this company. The soap is great! It smells so good. My new favorite are their candles. The reputation candle smells of lavender, sage, and oak moss. It even makes me feel good to open the box they prep and ship it all in because it is the prettiest packaging. The employees are the nicest people and they truly value their customers by making their products an affordable price. It would make a perfect gift for someone special. read more

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This little company is amazing! They became "TikTok famous" after they launched their Taylor Swift line of products, which is how I found them. I've ordered several times online and have never been disappointed. This week, I was able to make the ten hour trip to visit their little store, and it was amazing! I posted to their VIP Facebook page the night before letting them know I was excited to be visiting, and the owner responded asking what they could do to be sure I had an 11/10 experience and even asked if there was anyone in particular I would like to meet. How cool is that!? The storefront is gorgeous and it is obvious that everyone who works there takes pride in their products. There were great sales on many products and they offer a VIP discount! I came home with a variety of soaps, candles, room sprays, and lotions. We will forever be loyal customers! read more

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I have soooo many wonderful things to say about this place! I visited with a group of 10 fellow Swifties on our friend trip. We made the drive from Beech Mountain to Sparta so we could experience the shop in person. The staff were so kind. And when we expressed our admiration for Duane, the staff member sent him a text and he showed up to meet us! It was truly the best day in Sparta thanks to Sparta Candle Co. I can't wait to use my eras soaps and my new pride candle. Even if you're not a Swiftie, there are plenty of amazing products. The company supports all humans and it is such a welcoming space. I'll be talking about this for a long time! read more

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Great little store with some awesome smelling candles. Located in downtown Sparta it's a fun stop while you're visiting the mountains or Christmas tree shopping. There are several other shops nearby and a few great restaurants making it worth a drive. The candles smelled great! I had a blast walking through and sniffing some of the unique flavors. We left with a banana pudding candle. The candles are a bit pricey, but between support local, the unique styles, and the strength and quality they're worth it. They also had soaps and other small gifts. The store itself is fun and well laid out. Someone with a great sense of humor decorated and set up the place (see pics). read more

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This is a great gift shop in Sparta, NC. They hand pour soy candles, they have soaps, lotions, air diffusers and room sprays. They also just started a small gift section for children. The house we rented had the Firefly candle and we burned it everyday. It smelled fabulous and I NEEDED one. While we were waiting for our lunch from Horizons Bistro, we walked down to this shop. A sweet little man was the only one working but he was very helpful. I think his daughter is the owner. The 12 oz candles are $24 but they are soy and burn slowly and cleanly. I didn't know this but they said that soy candles get a memory, so you should burn them long enough so that it is liquid across the entire top. When you blow it out, the liquid solidifies and you still have a nice even candle. This method helps them last longer. I love their motto, "a flame loses nothing by lighting another" and they show support to their neighboring businesses by naming candles after them. That makes it easy to choose some as mementos of your visit to Sparta. We bought the Firefly and New River. They have online ordering and they are on Facebook and Instagram. Check them out. @spartacandleco read more

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Today we got an early Christmas from a wonderful co-worker who visited Sparta this month. I'm thinking I may need a trip there soon! These soaps smell absolutely delicious and the the deep jewel toned layers of soap and glittery additions (glitter is a necessity) are luxuriously hued. Mmmm you need to smell all of the scents! These are natural oils and earthly elements that aren't irritating to my nose, and I am picky about smells that trigger brain pain. What a sweet gal and nice gift! read more

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As a devout Swiftie who lives too far to experience the magic in person, I owe a big shoutout to TikTok for leading me to Sparta's fabulous creations. I stumbled upon a video by a guy named Duane--this dude is like the Taylor Swift of soap making! Seriously, he's crafting Eras Soap bars for each of Taylor's albums, and yes, they are just as epic as they sound. I've never visited the store, but you bet I snagged that set faster than you can say "Shake It Off." And, oh my Swift, the quality! These soaps are the real deal--rich, fragrant, and as detailed as Taylor's lyrics. Customer service? Top-notch. It's like the "You Belong With Me" of service; they really make you feel special. I'm on my second set now (don't judge, you'd do it too ), and every time I use them, it's like a mini-concert in my shower. Below is a pic of my ERAS soap box along with the minis collection, which is honestly too cute for words! Thank you, Sparta and Duane, for your TikTok showcases and for being unapologetically awesome. One of these days, I'll make the pilgrimage to your store. Until then, I'll just be here, living fearlessly with my fabulous soaps. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! read more

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The owner and workers are the absolute sweetest and don't get me started on the candles/ soaps!! They're absolutely amazing and worth every penny! I definitely would recommend to stop by if you have the chance :) read more

Cute store but expensive. Owners often post politically polarizing comments on Facebook, which is a turn off.

My friend and I visited the shop after following them on Tik Tok and had an amazing time! Everyone in the store was super nice and made us feel very welcomed :-) I bought some soaps as well as the Muddy Creek room spray which I am now OBSESSED with. Highly recommend!! read more