Marques Davis’ business venture was not intentional, but once people started to like the DIY candles he made, it set him on the path of entrepreneurship, writes Shaunice Ajiwe for Philadelphia Magazine. 

The journey began during the 2018 holiday season when he decided to make candles for his friends, family, and colleagues instead of purchasing gifts.  

Davis officially launched Mount Airy Candle Co. in 2019, where he makes hand-poured, uniquely scented candles.  

With his understanding that there are other candle shops and candle makers out there, he tries to set his brand apart from the rest. 

“We keep the presentation simple, but we home in on scent curation,” Davis said.  

Some of the existing candle scents include Grapefruit and Vetiver; Crème de Vanille; and Applewood Honey & Clove. 

The two words he uses to describe his process are chemistry and choreography. 

After holding operations in his home for the last four years, Davis opened a new studio in East Falls in Northwest Philadelphia.  

It was time to move the operation out of my house; I had started stumbling over myself because there were too many boxes,” he said. 

With the extra space, Davis will be introducing new fall-centric candle scents, namely Figs & Pink Pepper; Pumpkin & Chai Spice; and Pumpkin Pound Cake.  

Learn more about Marques Davis’ candle business at Philadelphia Magazine. 

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The process of making candles.