Thrifted Sisters Candle Co.

Thrifted Sisters Candle Co. is a small candle-making business based at 905 Byram Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is operated by two sisters who hand-pour 100 percent soy wax candles into secondhand and vintage glass vessels, combining candle production with the reuse of glassware that might otherwise sit unused or be discarded. The result is a product line in which no two items are exactly alike, since each candle takes its shape, size, and character from the individual container it is poured into.

The business operates on a straightforward premise: beautiful objects deserve a second life. Rather than purchasing uniform, mass-produced jars, the sisters source glass vessels from thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales, and similar venues. Pressed glass dishes, cut crystal, mid-century barware, teacups, apothecary jars, and other forgotten pieces are cleaned, prepared, and filled with soy wax. Each finished candle functions both as a burnable product and as a decorative object that remains useful after the wax is gone.

Products and Materials

The core product is a soy wax candle poured into a reclaimed glass vessel. Soy wax is a plant-based alternative to paraffin, derived from soybean oil. It is commonly chosen by small-batch candle makers because it burns at a lower temperature than paraffin, which generally produces a longer burn time, and because it is renewable and biodegradable. Soy wax also holds fragrance well at lower temperatures, which suits the kind of hand-poured, small-quantity production this business uses.

A distinguishing feature of many Thrifted Sisters candles is the inclusion of real crystals. Stones are incorporated into or placed with the candles, adding visual interest and an element of collectibility. Customers interested in crystals for their aesthetic or metaphysical associations often find this feature appealing, and it also means the candle leaves behind more than an empty container once it has burned down. Buyers who collect stones, vintage glass, or both tend to be the natural audience for this kind of product.

Because the vessels are sourced individually, the catalog changes continually. Availability depends on what the sisters find, which means a particular style, pattern, or size may be offered only once. For shoppers, this creates a browsing experience closer to that of an antique booth than a conventional retail shelf. For collectors of specific glass patterns or eras, it also means checking back regularly is worthwhile.

What Sets the Approach Apart

The candle industry includes a large number of small producers, and many of them pour soy wax. What differentiates Thrifted Sisters Candle Co. is the sourcing and preparation of the containers. Working with secondhand glass requires more labor than ordering cases of identical jars. Each piece must be inspected for chips, cracks, and structural soundness, thoroughly cleaned, and evaluated for suitability as a candle vessel, since factors like wall thickness, opening width, and depth all affect how safely and evenly a candle will burn. Wick selection also has to be adjusted to the diameter of each individual container rather than standardized across a production run.

This process places the business at the intersection of several interests: candle making, thrifting and antiquing, upcycling, and home decor. It appeals to customers who value handmade goods, those looking for gifts with a distinctive character, and those drawn to sustainability-minded purchasing. The emphasis on reuse means that every candle keeps a piece of existing glassware in circulation.

The family nature of the operation is also central to its identity. As a two-sister partnership, the business handles sourcing, pouring, labeling, photography, customer communication, and sales directly, without intermediaries. Customers generally interact with the makers themselves.

Location and Availability

The business is based in Reading, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, with an address on Byram Street in the eastern part of the city near the Exeter Township area. Reading sits within reach of Allentown, Lancaster, Pottstown, and the greater Philadelphia region, placing the business in a part of southeastern Pennsylvania with a long tradition of antiquing, farmers markets, craft fairs, and local maker events.

Thrifted Sisters Candle Co. maintains an active presence on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These channels serve as the primary way customers view current inventory, since the one-of-a-kind nature of the vessels makes visual listings essential. New pours, restocks, and available pieces are typically announced through these platforms. Because the address is residential in character and no phone number is published, prospective customers are best served by reaching out through the business's social media accounts rather than arriving unannounced.

Practical Information for Customers

• All candles are hand-poured using 100 percent soy wax.
• Vessels are sourced secondhand, including vintage and antique glass, so sizes, shapes, and burn times vary from piece to piece.
• Many candles include real crystals as a decorative and collectible element.
• Inventory is limited and changes frequently; individual designs are often available in a single quantity.
• Current availability, pricing, and ordering information are posted on the business's social media accounts.
• Vessels can be cleaned and reused after the candle has burned down, serving as small dishes, planters, storage containers, or display pieces.

Care and Use

As with any container candle, a few general practices help ensure safe and even burning. Trimming the wick to roughly a quarter inch before each use reduces soot and keeps the flame at a manageable height. Allowing the first burn to continue long enough for the wax to melt across the full surface helps prevent tunneling, where wax builds up along the sides of the vessel. Soy wax candles should be burned on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, curtains, and anything flammable, and should not be left unattended. Because vintage glass can vary in thickness, it is sensible to stop burning when a small amount of wax remains at the bottom rather than letting the flame reach the base of the vessel. The sisters can advise on specifics for individual pieces.

Summary

Thrifted Sisters Candle Co. is a Reading, Pennsylvania maker of small-batch soy wax candles housed in reclaimed vintage and antique glassware, frequently paired with real crystals. Run by two sisters, the business combines hand candle production with thrifting and upcycling, producing items intended to remain useful and decorative long after the wax has been consumed. Customers can follow current offerings through the company's Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.