Rain did little to dampen the celebration in South Shore on Sunday, Aug. 30, as nearly 100 family members, community leaders and guests gathered for the ribbon-cutting of expeRHEEnce, a Candle Bar, a new Black-owned experiential business at 1917 E. 79th St.
Owned by siblings Syreeta Talbert and Baku Talbert, expeRHEEnce was created as more than a place to purchase candles. The multilevel space invites customers to create custom scents, pour their own candles and gather for celebrations, date nights, group outings and private events.
For Syreeta Talbert, the concept also responds to something she believes South Shore and surrounding communities have been missing.
“I wanted to create something beautiful and welcoming right here in South Shore, but I also wanted to address what I call a ‘fun desert,’” Talbert said. “We have so much in our community, but we simply don’t have enough places and activities where people can come together, have fun, celebrate and enjoy unique experiences.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Talbert for the ribbon-cutting, along with Chicago Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright; Reuben Waddy, vice president and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund director at SomerCor; Alvin Rider, representing Ald. Michelle Harris and the 8th Ward; and the Rev. Stephen Thurston.
The business received support through Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, which helped finance improvements to the property and its transformation into an immersive candle-making destination. Following the ceremony, guests toured the building and tried Wax on Tap, the company’s candle-making experience that allows visitors to explore fragrances and develop personalized scents.
The celebration also carried personal significance for Talbert. It took place nine years after the death of her son, Jalen, while also honoring the influence of her father, whose encouragement helped shape her belief in entrepreneurship and possibility. Opening the business alongside her brother added another layer of family meaning to the occasion.
Talbert said she wants residents to have more opportunities to enjoy distinctive experiences without leaving their own neighborhood.
“Our residents shouldn’t always have to leave the neighborhood to find something different to do or to create meaningful moments with the people they love,” she said.
expeRHEEnce, a Candle Bar will officially open to the public Thursday, Sept. 10.