FLINT, Mich. — What started as a girls’ trip tradition has turned into one of downtown Flint’s newest creative experiences.
Rych Wicks Candles, a candle-making bar located at 522 S. Saginaw St., opened in June 2025 with a mission to bring connection and creativity to the heart of the city.
“We wanted something that felt luxury, something with a little more sass and personality,” said Bianca Vaughn, co-owner of Rych Wicks. “So we took ‘rich’ and changed the spelling to make it feel more like us.”
Founded by friends Vaughn, Ormeka Shackelford-Thompson and Cicily Jones, the business offers customers a chance to design their own custom candles in a welcoming space centered on wellness and community.
Unlike a traditional retail shop, Rych Wicks operates as an interactive candle bar where customers participate in the creative process.
Visitors check in, complete a scent card, put on an apron and head to the shop’s scent wall featuring more than 70 fragrance options. Guests can blend up to four scents to create a personalized candle.
After pouring their candle, customers leave it to cure for about two hours; often spending that time visiting nearby restaurants and bars, which the owners intentionally promote to support fellow downtown businesses.
“We want people to stay downtown longer,” Vaughn said. “Go grab food or a drink, explore the area, then come back and pick up your candle.”
The shop also hosts private parties in a dedicated event space, allowing groups to celebrate birthdays, date nights and special occasions together.
As Black women business owners balancing full-time jobs, families and entrepreneurship, the founders hope their journey encourages others to take risks.
“Go for it,” Vaughn said. “Don’t wait until you have everything together. Step out on faith and just do it. The support will come.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue expanding their presence downtown while creating more opportunities for connection and creativity.
For now, their focus remains on creating a space where residents can gather, relax and leave with something meaningful.
“We just wanted to bring something fresh and positive home,” Vaughn said. “And Flint has really embraced us.”
To learn more about Rych Wicks Candles, visit rychwickscandlesllc.com and follow them on Facebook.