Sweet Dreams Collections at 5927 Ridge Avenue is not your ordinary candle shop. When owner Karima Tomlin, 31, launched her business in July 2021, she wanted to create a place for community involvement and socializing. That means parties!

“We wanted to bring something fun to Roxborough,” she said. “We offer Candle Making and Brunch on Saturdays from noon to 3pm. During the first hour, participants select their own jar and candle fragrance. Then, they enjoy a delicious catered brunch with Mimosas.” Brunch is catered by the aptly named Chef Fatty Catering.  

 “Our Saturday morning events are for up to twelve participants. We also offer candle making Monday through Friday.  We welcome bridal, birthday and special occasion parties. We also have Date Night parties which include complimentary wine,” said Tomlin. “Private parties are welcome to bring their own food and drink or work with our caterer.” Private parties require a minimum of six people.

A lot of Sweet Dreams Collections customers are out of state, thanks to the shop’s Instagram posts and 24/7 online store. “Here in the City, people are more interested in our parties,” said Tomlin.“People are looking for interesting things to do after being isolated for so long by the pandemic. But everyone who enters our shop has to wear a mask which they may remove when they eat and drink,” said Tomlin.

“People are looking for interesting things to do after being isolated for so long by the pandemic."

Choosing a fragrance is not easy when the selection includes: Hot Apple Pie, Pineapple Sage, Blueberry Cheesecake, Fruit Loops and Morning Coffee, among many other aromatic choices. If you would rather buy a candle, rather than make one, they are available in tantalizing fragrances in 9 oz. and 12 oz. clear glass and silver jars or pineapple-shaped containers in clear crystal or matte black.

“The top seller is Pineapple Sage, which smells like the pineapple sage plant, not the fruit,” said Tomlin. “Younger people love the Fruit Loops fragrance.”

"The top seller is Pineapple Sage, which smells like the pineapple sage plant, not the fruit. Younger people love the Fruit Loops fragrance.”

Tomlin, a former auditor at a healthcare company, chose Roxborough for her first entrepreneurial endeavor because of its positive energy. She started making candles in 2018 as a hobby because of her daughter’s asthma. “She had a bad reaction to most commercial candles, so I learned how to make non-toxic candles. Two years later, my hobby turned into a business,” said Tomlin.

All of the candles at Sweet Dreams Collections are eco-friendly, free of toxic chemicals and made with a cotton wick. The shop and its online store offer more than candles. They also have fluffy faux sheepskin slippers, a silky floral robe and comfy pajamas. “For the holidays, we will offer gift baskets, including items from other small business owners and gift certificates,” said Tomlin.

“For the holidays, we will offer gift baskets, including items from other small business owners and gift certificates."

The shop and website are filled with affordable gift ideas for the holiday season, even for people on your list who have “everything” or who are picky. Whether you are looking for a hostess gift for a holiday party or for your mother-in-law, a scented candle from Sweet Dreams Collections is a thoughtful, personal gesture that will bring the recipient happiness for many months. Sweet Dreams Collections is open Monday to Friday, 11am-5pm. On weekends, it is only open for special events.

The total experience is about relaxation, stress reduction and, just maybe, romance. Light a candle and see what happens!

Sweet Dreams Collection Website 

Address:

5927 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Phone: 

215-515-0326

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 11:00 am to 5:00pm

Saturday & Sunday: Open for special events