BEREA, KY – On Friday, November 14, the Berea Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome Modern Zen Candle Company to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the shop’s Center Street location.
The celebration, scheduled for noon at 110 Center Street (next door to Papa Leno’s), marks a milestone for owner and maker Jennifer, who opened the boutique candle shop in July after years of building her business at markets and online.
Why Candles?
For Jennifer, candles are about more than just fragrance. They’re about creating moments of calm in the middle of busy lives.
“My passion for home design, holistic wellness, and refined fragrances inspired me to create these beautiful candles,” Jennifer explains on the company’s website. “At Modern Zen Candle Company, it’s about more than just products—it’s about creating moments of calm and joy in your daily life.”
Each candle is hand-poured in small batches using 100% soy wax and phthalate-free, clean fragrance oils. The candles are available with cotton or wood wicks, and the sleek vessels are topped with laser-etched wood lids designed to complement modern home décor—and to be repurposed long after the candle burns down.
Jennifer custom-blends many of the scents herself, testing each one meticulously to ensure it meets her standards for quality and ambiance. The result is a collection of candles that feel both luxurious and approachable, with scents ranging from cozy and comforting to fresh and sophisticated.
Why Berea?
Berea’s reputation as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky made it a natural fit for Modern Zen Candle Company.
“I’m thrilled to be setting up shop in the beautiful, artsy town of Berea, Kentucky,” Jennifer shared when announcing the opening. The shop is located in College Square, a hub for local artisans, makers, and small businesses.
Since opening in July, Modern Zen Candle Company has become a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. The boutique offers a relaxing atmosphere where customers can browse, sniff, and discover their new favorite scent—whether it’s a signature fragrance from the Hero or Luxe collections, a seasonal holiday scent, or a limited-edition creation.
A Candle Named for Berea
One of the shop’s most popular offerings is the limited-edition Berea Spoonbread candle, a custom-blended scent created especially for the town’s annual Spoonbread Festival. The candle has become a local favorite, with only a handful left in stock as the holidays approach.
It’s just one example of how Modern Zen Candle Company has embraced its Berea roots, creating products that celebrate the community and its traditions.
Shopping Local as the Holidays Approach
With the holiday season in full swing, Modern Zen Candle Company offers a wide selection of gift-worthy candles, wax melts, and car diffusers—all made right here in Berea.
Jennifer is often on-site, hand-pouring candles and chatting with customers about their favorite scents. The boutique also offers candle-making workshops for those who want to learn the craft themselves.
Whether you’re shopping for a hostess gift, a stocking stuffer, or a little something for yourself, Modern Zen Candle Company makes it easy to support a local maker and bring a little Zen into your home.
Join the Celebration
The ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 14, will include light refreshments and giveaways, and it’s a chance to meet Jennifer, explore the shop, and learn more about the candles and home fragrances she creates.
Modern Zen Candle Company is located at 110 Center Street in Berea, next door to Papa Leno’s. For more information, visit modernzencandle.com or follow the shop on Instagram and TikTok @modernzencandle.