‘With a heavy heart’: Downtown Fayetteville shop closes after five years

The owner of Hummingbird Candle Co., an eco-friendly luxury candle shop known for its interactive candle-making experiences, announced on Facebook and TikTok last month that the business would close.

According to a post on the store's Facebook page, the storefront at 240 Hay St. held its final open weekend on June 15-16 after a five-year run, with all items discounted by 50%. In her Facebook post, owner Tianna Dean hinted that, like a "hummingbird, always full of life and resilience," the brand may reemerge at a new location in the future. However, some commenters expressed surprise upon hearing the news and inquired about receiving refunds for reservations booked for the same weekend. Several attempts to reach Dean via phone and Facebook were unsuccessful.

Hummingbird Candle Co. offered a wide variety of hand-poured candle scents made in North Carolina and encouraged patrons to schedule appointments to create their own candles. They also provided birthday party reservations for larger groups. Dean announced the closure of the company's second location in downtown Asheville in an identical post on that location's Facebook page.

Dean, in her post, thanked the Fayetteville community for supporting her dream, stating that their support helped create more than 75 jobs and contributed $40,000 in donations to women in the community.

“Though economic challenges have played a part in this difficult decision, the primary reason for closing is a profound sense of spiritual calling,” Dean said in her post. “I believe that God is asking me to surrender Hummingbird Candle Co., and in doing so, we are fulfilling our ultimate goal: to bring Him glory through every act, including this final one.”

Dean said her goal was always to create an experience and a safe space where patrons could gather to feel warmth, joy and a sense of community — not just to offer a product for purchase.

“As I close this chapter, I want to express my deepest thanks … your loyalty and love have meant more than words can ever convey,” Dean said.

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Why did Hummingbird Candle Co. close downtown Fayetteville shop?