- Luci Smith transformed a pandemic candle-making hobby into Calina’s Cafe, Candles & Collectables at 326 Elm St. in Ludlow.
- A viral TikTok and a passion for sustainability helped inspire a storefront combining handmade candles and inclusive, affordable vintage clothing.
- The shop embraces Ludlow’s artsy spirit, with plans to expand into a café later this summer.
What began as a hobby for Luci Smith during the pandemic has developed into a full-time passion.
Smith, the owner of Calina’s Cafe, Candles, & Collectables at 326 Elm St. in Ludlow, began experimenting with making candles from upcycled containers. She started from scratch and, over time, became confident enough in her craftsmanship to post videos of her candles online. After a single TikTok post about a handmade jelly candle garnered over 4 million views, she realized she had gained significant momentum.
“I completely picked it up during the pandemic,” she said. “I thought, ‘what’s kind of a fun side hustle vibe that I can do?’ I just went out to the store, got a few candle supplies, and I was trying to think of a way to make it eco-friendly.”…