Wax Poetic Candle Bar

1423 Lake Drive SE.

Science indicates that our sense of smell is strongly attached to memories and emotions. At Wax Poetic Candle Bar, they doubled down on that idea by giving customers the chance to create the perfect smell for their nose, one that likely reminds them of a good memory, all while making a new memory to look on with fondness.

Choose from more than 100 clean fragrance oils available for you to blend harmoniously into a one-of-a-kind candle made from soy wax and cotton wicks for a nice clean burn with less smoke.

This unique experience is the perfect way to spend a date, hang out with friends, or a fun activity with your family.

The process of choosing and pouring your custom candle usually takes about half an hour. From there, you are invited to shop around other neighboring businesses or grab a bite to eat or drink nearby. After 90 minutes, your custom candle(s) will be ready to take home and enjoy! Of course, you can also choose to come back and pick up your candle another day.

If you’re in a hurry and want something straight away, there are single fragrance hand-poured candles, as well as diffuser and room and body sprays available for purchase.

Happy smelling!

MakeUp blvD

1059 Wealthy St SE, Suite C

Want to unleash your inner beauty vlogger, but not quite sure where to start? Stop by Makeup BLVD, where you can find the latest and best cosmetic brands for every taste and occasion. Their makeup, skincare, fragrances and other products focus on brands that are highly in demand in the beauty sphere, but not commonly found in shops like Sephora, Ulta Beauty or MAC.

Beyond ensuring that they are in-the-know, and often even ahead of the curve on the latest trends in cosmetics, they pride themselves on their exceptional customer service. The store has a clean, white, and welcoming feel, designed to ensure their guests will not be overwhelmed or intimidated. Anyone who comes in to peruse their collection is treated to coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

In addition to selling cosmetic items, Makeup BLVD also provides skin care services, classes, private sessions and event makeup for weddings and other occasions.

Reservoir Boutique

1144 Wealthy St SE.

Located on Wealthy Street, Reservoir Boutique carries a curated collection of sustainable items made by American designers and craftsmen. Owner, stylist and designer of Reservoir’s house brand, Erin Murphy Doan worked in the New York City luxury fashion scene for nearly a decade before opening her own store, first in Hudson Valley and then in Grand Rapids.

“I wanted to focus on apparel that was ethically responsible for its impact on the environment as well as the individuals who made it,” Doan said. “I soon discovered my love for other brands that shared my same values. My goal was to create a place where customers weren’t just purchasing products, but discovering a story and taking it with them.”

The shop aesthetic is a complimentary blend of city style and country living. They carry men’s, women’s, children and baby apparel, as well as apothecary and home decor. Doan calls it an “extension of her own home,” catering to her own blend of interests in modern, mid-century and rustic inspired items.

Reservoir is a fresh face to Grand Rapids’ artistic community that brings about an enlightening experience to conscious shopping.

“So often the retail market is saturated with fast fashion and a lack of quality. Reservoir is a one-stop shopping experience for functional, sustainable and timeless lifestyle pieces, offered at attainable price points,” Doan explained. “Most people who visit won’t leave without telling us how beautiful they think the shop is. The best way to see why we stand out is to stop in and check it out for yourself!”

Sam was born in Chicago, grew up in the Philippines, attended college in Australia and is now living in Grand Rapids. She loves cheese, video games and music, and will quote a movie or TV show every chance she gets.